Indian Motorcycle plans for local assembly by 2018

American brand Indian Motorcycle has a bullish outlook for the Indian market and has been quick to bring its latest models to the country. However, the company has to import every motorcycle from the US and it attracts heavy import duties. That said, the manufacturer couldn't peg its products at a competitive price. Also, the absence of local production extends the waiting period to as long as four months for some of its models. Hence, in an attempt to offer its customers a competitive price and quicker deliveries of its products, Indian Motorcycle is planning for the completely knocked-down unit (CKD) assembly in India.

Speaking to reporters during Indian’s national ride flag-off in Mumbai, Pankaj Dubey, Polaris India MD, confirmed the brand’s intention to start assembling its products locally, though the location for a plant hasn’t been chosen yet. Despite Indian Motorcycle’s niche pricing, the brand has recorded sales of around 200 units in India, with the number expected to rise by the end of 2016. Year-on-year sales have also risen in 2016, motivating the brand to ramp up operations in India.

Currently, Indian Motorcycle has dealerships in Gurgaon, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh. Two more showrooms will be inaugurated in Jaipur and Kolkata by the end of this year, with Polaris reconstructing the Cochin dealership to retail Indian and Polaris ATV products.

The brand’s range currently includes the Scout Sixty, Scout, Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chief Dark Horse, Springfield and Roadmaster. Deliveries of the Springfield will begin around the festive season, while the Chieftain Dark Horse is expected to hit the Indian market in the first half of 2017.

Source: ZigWheels.com