The partnership will run parallel to the DSK-Hyosung operations.
The DSK-Benelli partnership which will see the Italian motorcycle maker assemble and sell its range of sportsbikes in India, will be formally announced on October 17.
The Pune-based DSK MotoWheels already has an ongoing partnership with South Korea's Hyosung wherein the bikes are locally assembled at DSK's facility in Wai, near Pune. The company is expected to install an additional assembly line to cater to Benelli bikes.
Benelli, one of the oldest Italian two-wheeler brands, is currently under the ownership of China-based Qianjiang Corporation. The brand has a comprehensive lineup of sportsbikes starting from the BN302, a street fighter powered by a 300 cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine, all way up to a 1,130 cc inline three cylinder tourer named TRE 1130K.
Media reports suggest that Benelli will bring its entire product range to India through the CKD route, including the BN600 R and TNT 899 sportsbikes. The local assembly operations would enable the brand to enter the market with a more aggressive pricing strategy.
Also read: DSK-Hyosung to set up a new manufacturing facility in Maharashtra
Market positioning would be above Hyosung but below other well known European brands. More details will be available when the official announcement is made.
