By IANS,
Chennai : Amara Raja Batteries Ltd Monday launched its two-wheeler batteries here and targets to sell around 750,000 units this fiscal, said a top company official.
Launching the two-wheeler battery branded as Amaron Pro Bike Rider here, managing director Jayadev Galla told the media: “We have created a capacity to make one million batteries at an outlay of Rs.250 million. We hope to make 75 percent of that for two-wheelers and the balance for uninterrupted power systems (UPS).”
According to him, Amara Raja is the first Indian company to make the valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) technology batteries for the two-wheeler segment.
The company has started negotiations with two-wheeler manufacturers for supplying the batteries.
“VRLA batteries are the preferred choice for luxury cars and we are bringing that technology for two wheelers,” Galla added.
The company has introduced three variants, 2.5 Ampere Hour (AH – priced Rs.761), 5 AH (Rs.1,097) and 9AH (Rs.1525).
Speaking about the market, Ganesh Swaminathan, head automotive, said the combined size of the original equipment and replacement market is currently valued at Rs.5 billion and is growing at 8 percent.
“With two-wheeler buyers preferring self/button start vehicles, the demand for high energy batteries will be on the rise. The overall two-wheeler market is expected to touch 9 million units by FY10,” he added.
According to S. Vijayanand, vice-president Research & Engineering, the two-wheeler battery technology was obtained from joint venture partner Johnson Controls, the US, and was customised for the Indian conditions.