Harley-Davidson Sees India As Global Motorcycle Making Hub

This story was first published on the Benzinga India portal.

Harley-Davidson HOG, the famous motorcycle brand, is considering using its Indian facilities to make motorcycles for other parts of the world, CEO Jochen Zeitz said in an interview.

What Happened? While focusing on strengthening local sales with the HD X440 bike, Harley's most affordable bike that the firm launched in partnership with Hero MotoCorp, Zeitz mentioned the potential for exporting from India in the future in an interview with the Economic Times.

After discontinuing manufacturing operations in India in 2020, Harley-Davidson has partnered with Hero MotoCorp to continue selling imported bikes in the country. Their joint venture’s first product, the X440, is priced at over $2,780 and aims to challenge Royal Enfield’s dominance in the premium bike category.

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Harley-Davidson sees the importance of collaborating with local partners and establishing the right distribution networks, Zeitz said in the interview. He emphasized the need to adapt their approach in markets where customers have different perspectives and import duties pose challenges.

By working with partners, Harley-Davidson aims to make their bikes more accessible and affordable, reducing tariffs for imported motorcycles in India. Zeitz highlighted the potential for growth in the mid-weight motorcycle segment, which is gaining popularity in the country.

Harley-Davidson’s renewed focus on India comes amid increasing engagement between the US and India in various commercial and defense deals. The company believes that building a strong foundation in populous markets like India will enable them to grow with the economy and seize future opportunities.

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