Harley-Davidson is planning to start its fifth dealership in Bengaluru in September and depending on the response will introduce more models in India
 The Indian superbike market is set to witness intense competition in the coming months with superbike giant Harley-Davidson planning to foray into more Indian cities and expand its existing product profile. Industry insiders believe that the initiative undertaken by Harley-Davidson will pose stiff competition to superbikes manufactured by Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Ducati, among others. The company is planning to launch its fifth dealership in Bengaluru next month and will closely study the response, after which it will introduce more models in the Indian market. Apt time for expansion
Commenting on the move undertaken by the company, Sidharth Garg, managing director of Himalayan Harley-Davidson, a Harley-Davidson dealer in Chandigarh, said, “Of late, demand for the company’s bikes has witnessed a tremendous traction, particularly among the youth segment of the country. Moreover, the two-wheeler market in India is also expanding at a rapid pace. Therefore, the time is opportune for the company to expand its channel of operations in the country.”
Currently Harley-Davidson has dealerships in four Indian cities namely Chandigarh, Mumbai, New Delhi and Hyderabad. “Opening a dealership in the country’s IT hub had always been in the company’s plan. Owing to increase in disposable income, the consumer base for superbikes has increased to a great deal and being a global brand, Harley-Davidson bikes have always been considered as a style statement,” comments Arjun Bafna, managing director of Seven Islands Harley-Davidson, a Harley-Davidson dealer in Mumbai.
Apart from selling bikes in the country, Harley-Davidson also deals in several accessories such as riding gears, wallets, boots etc. The company continuously strives to undertake several programmes to increase its client base in India. It is also possible that in the near future, the company may assemble bikes in India. Of late, superbikes have also gained popularity among highlanders, which is further fuelling its demand.
Arup Choudhury |
