Monday, February 11, 2008

Harley-Davidson planning to enter into Indian market



The big boy from the world of biking is revving on the passage to India. America’s cult bike brand Harley Davidson is exploring the opportunity of riding into the burgeoning Indian motorcycle market through the direct import route.

Harley Davidson is in the process of assessing the feasibility of entering the Indian market with its range of high-end performance bikes. “We do not have a presence in India yet and are keen on entering this market.We are now exploring the opportunities for our entry into India," Harley Davidson Inc vicepresident Timothy K Hoelter told The Times of India .

Though the finer modalities of its maiden ride on the Indian roads is yet to be chalked out, Hoelter — who is on a week-long visit to the country — said the bikes would be directly sourced from its American plant.

"India is among the few motorcycle markets in the world that’s growing at a fast pace and we are surely looking at a presence here. Whenever we enter the Indian market, it will be through the sourcing route.Harley Davidson buyers identify our bikes to be an all-American brand and they want to buy the bikes that are produced in US," he said.

Hoelter, however, said the detailed plans — including product shortlist —for its India entry are yet to be worked out.

According to industry watchers, the Harley bikes would range between Rs 4 lakh to Rs 14 lakh in India, including the 60 per cent import duty. “As India’s economy takes bigger strides, a younger population with expendable income are embracing luxury as never before.

With the demand for high-end bikes like Kawasaki Ninja and Suzuki Hayabusa from India growing by the day, it comes as no surprise that Harley Davidson is also finding this market very attractive," said an analyst.

Harley-Davidson produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers a complete line of merchandise.

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