Amara Raja Batteries announced its entry into the two-wheeler battery segment on Monday with the launch of Amaron Pro Bike Rider two-wheeler batteries, powered by VRLA (valve regulated lead acid) technology from Johnson Controls of the U.S., customised by Amara Raja's R&D for the Indian markets. Amaron brand ambassadors Narain Kartikeyan, Armaan Ebrahim and Aditya Patel were present on the occasion. Addressing presspersons here, Jayadev Galla, Managing Director, Amara Raja Batteries, said two-wheeler riders traditionally were not required to pay much attention to the battery in the kick start models. However, with an increasing shift to self-start, the battery technology and choice were becoming critical. Amaron Pro Bike Rider was expected to raise the levels of awareness among customers and make battery replacement for their two-wheelers as a decision on which they had a role. The battery was available in three variants of 2.5 ampere hour (AH), 5 AH and 9 AH. With a 30 per cent higher cranking power than the best in the market, the batteries carried five year warranty, Mr. Galla said. Elaborating on the marketing plans, Ganesh Swaminathan, Head-Automotive said, the extensive network of 18,000 retailers, 120 pit shops and extensive service hubs would bring the battery within easy reach of customers across the country. In January last year the company announced expansion plans to set up the combined capacity of 3.2 million units for two-wheeler batteries and small VRLA batteries for UPS applications. At present one million units combined capacity is ready and by 2010 this will be scaled up to 3.2 million units.