THE WORLD’S largest two-wheeler maker Honda, after its break-up with Indian partner, Hero Motocorp is devising massive plans to tap the lucrative Indian market. Though Indians are anxiously awaiting the latest range from the Japanese manufacturer, but one of their reported decisions to choose Sachin Tendulkar, as their brand ambassador could go seriously wrong with their plans.

 

A Merinews citizen journalist who is a Honda employee tipped us on Thursday that Honda has picked up Sachin Tendulkar as their brand ambassador in India for their upcoming bikes.

 

Sachin Tendulkar had always been one of the most bankable faces for advertisers. He has been seen as a face promoting TVS Bikes in the past from 2002 -2005 and he did the job very well. However, in recent days - the two wheeler segment is dominated by the brawny men brigade, who likes to flaunt their equally brawny bikes. The brand ambassadors for such bikes are youth icons such as Hrithik Roshan for Karizma, John Abraham for Yamaha. However, if Honda wants to bring in their bikes in the 100-120 cc segments, then the master blaster can prove to be the perfect common man's face. The rural youth and the middle class man idolises him and would go to lengths to worship the legendary batsman.

 

To delve deep into it and find out more we decided to visit the Honda stall in ongoing Auto Expo and check out their upcoming offerings. As it turned out, Honda showcased a number of sports bike in the Auto Expo. Some were so swanky that it looked like it catered to the upper middle class men who likes to sweat it out in the gym and like to have a funky ride as a their status symbol. If all the bikes showcased in the Auto Expo are launched in India, then Sachin Tehdulkar would definitely not make a mark with the youth as the brand ambassador.

 

When asked whether they would like Sachin Tendulkar as a face for the bikes in India, enthusiasts Shuchi Jain and Kriti Batra, who had visited the Auto Expo, said in the same breath that Sachin would be a misfit for all the bikes present there. He can boost someone’s energy but riding a swanky, stylish bike would not be his thing. However Aadil Abbas, an ardent fan said: “For me, he would be the last choice, when we have hunks like John Abraham and Hrithik Roshan but for a cricket academy, he would be the ultimate choice.” Thus Honda should really think whether this is a smart decision to overpower previous partner and current rival Hero or a huge mistake.