Indian Autos blog

Harley Davidson said it will setup an assembly line in Haryana next year to assemble select motorcycles from its current range.

click HERE to read on Harley’s plans for India

Bajaj has planned two new motorcycles for India next year. The new motorcycles will be positioned differently.

click HERE to learn about Bajaj’s 2011 Indian plan.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company will begin selling motorcycles in India in 2010, said its president and chief operating officer, Matthew Levatich. The company has begun the process of picking dealers and is constructing a subsidiary in Gurgaon, near the country’s capital Delhi.

Matthew Levatich said his mission was to lay a strong base in India to help play a long innings in the country. He said India is a vital part of the expansion plan for the company which is seeking a “global reach.”

Just like any other auto company, Harley will spend its initial time importing bikes, accessories and other rider gear until it gets a clear picture of its demands here. India’s booming economy and rapidly evolving infrastructure has evoked interest in Harley Davidson to set shop here.

The company’s initial approach is to import its motorcycles, accessories and riding gear, and it will then evaluate how best to evolve its approach as Harley-Davidson’s business grows here.

Although a lot of other things we discussed, frankly it was boring. He explained how Harley’s riding experience is magnificent and how unique his motorcycles were and how his motorcycles are going to lead India into its next era of motorcycling.

Not very realistic considering most motorcycles sold in the country are 100cc commuters. In the world of Nanos and Altos, it’s like saying the Rolls Royce brand with its CBUs is going to carry India forward into the next era of driving.

The company has begun the process of identifying initial dealers in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Punjab State.

Let’s see how they price it. It won’t be in the mid 60 thousands to take on the Bajaj Avenger. That is for sure.

The ‘All American bike’ or rather ‘the ultimate cruiser maker’ Harley-Davidson had already announced plans to introduce its bikes in India and now we have some concrete reports. The Harleys are cruising into India by the end of this year! Yes, you heard that right.

The legendary marque is involved in talks with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) in India, with regard to securing permission for setting up its retail outlets in the country. Also expected is an assembly unit for Harley motorcycles. If implemented, it would be its third overseas facility after Asian countrires Singapore and Thailand.

Prices will be north of 5 lakhs with prices ranging from 6-20 lakhs for the basic Sportster to the full on individually sustomisable models. The high prices are due to the import duties levied on Completely Built Units in India although prices could come down significantly if assembly operations start here.