Astarc Motors Uganda Limited officially opened its showroom at Bhatia Chambers on Parliament Avenue in Kampala on Tuesday, 4th March, 2014 launching the world’s largest selling motorcycle company, HERO, in Uganda.
Astarc Motors Uganda Ltd also unveiled a specially customized motorcycle brand called Hero Dawn that offers an astounding 65 kilometer per litre in a move that will see players in the boda boda sector generate more income and better their livelihood.
Among the other models introduced are Splendor NXG, Glamour, Hunk, and Karizma-R. This product range includes bikes from 100cc to 225cc.
Hero Motocorp, headquartered in India, is the world’s largest single legal entity selling the largest volume of motorcycles around the world, selling over 6 million motorcycles in one year. Hero Motocorp has sold over 50 million motorcycles around the world since 1985. . It has tie-ups with US based EBR and Austria’s AVL for engine and bike technology development. It has presence in South East Asia, Latin America, Peru, Kenya, Angola, DRC, Mozambique, Tanzania and now Uganda.
Sameer Musale,Executive Director of Astarc Motors Uganda Limited called this a historic moment in two wheeler industry in Uganda with launch of best-selling model HERO Dawn. He mentioned that HERO Dawn has been specially modified for Uganda to suit the customer needs. With back-up of extensive R&D and manufacturing capability in India, HERO Dawn will offer the Ugandan customers more value for their money. He also mentioned that genuine spares will be offered at extremely competitive price and the company has decided to stock spares requirement of 6 months from day 1.
Speaking during the launch, Hon. Amelia Kyambadde, Minister for Trade and Industry said that the move signals the start of a triumphant year for business and growth in Uganda as Astarc Motors Uganda Ltd. and Hero seek to improve and provide more income generation in the SME sector, a move that is welcome.
Along with the unveiling, Astarc Motors Uganda Limited also announced that it had set-up a state of the art assembling plant, and with the right government support it will look to transform Uganda into the manufacturing hub and distributor of Hero motorcycles in East and Central Africa with employment opportunity for over 1500 people directly and indirectly, establish a world-class engineering industry in Uganda.
Mr. Sameer Musale, Executive Director, Astarc Group said, “We are extremely happy to introduce the five stunning Hero motorcycles in Uganda today representing the results of our journey and the future of this brand. Astarc motors Uganda Limited has invested heavily in this entire venture that will see creation of employment opportunities, training and skills empowerment for service people and the setting up a state of the art plant, showroom, and service center”.
Astarc motors also introduced a new door to door service delivery offer where users of Hero motorcycles will be able to access affordable and mobile service checks by simply calling the company’s hotline in case of a breakdown and a Service van which would be stationed at various locations to service and sell spares to remote locations.
Astarc Motors has also donated an ambulance vehicle to the Uganda Boda Boda Association which was handed over to the Inspector General of Police as the immediate patron for easy management and usage of the ambulance. Among others, motorcycles were also given to the association so as to help it in its daily work.
“With extended services like mobile repair, we hope that our customers will take advantage of this and ride their motorcycles with a smile and comfort”, added Mr. Sameer Musale.
“We have so many entrepreneurs that are coming into the country with attractive offers and services that we need to dig into and embrace. I am delighted that today, Astarc motors has joined the class of such entrepreneurs. We hope that this introduction to the Uganda market is another opening for more jobs for our youth.” Said the Guest of Honour and Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon. Amelia Kyambadde.
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