We have reported earlier that Harley Davidson is considering shutting down its assembly operations in the Indian market due to poor sales. The American bikemaker sold less than 2,500 units in the last financial year. The decision comes in line with the company’s aim to ‘rewire’ its strategy to focus on about 50 markets including in some parts of Asia Pacific and North America.
According to a latest media report, the company is now keen on roping in an ally for manufacturing mid-size motorcycles and setting up distribution network in the country. Harley Davidson might join hands with the Indian two-wheeler manufacturers and Mahindra’s Classic Legends and Hero Motorcorp are reported to be frontrunners. It will be a non-equity partnership. One must note that there is no official word on the same from Harley Davidson, Classic Legends and Hero Motorcorp.
Mahindra’s Classic Legends caters the premium motorcycle segment with the Jawa brand. The company also has its own factory systems and a well established local supply chain. Therefore, it will be an obvious choice for Harley Davidson. Hero Motocorp, on the other hand, is currently leading the entry-level commuter segments and is open for partnership to expand its premium product portfolio. The bikemaker has already confirmed that it will launch a range of bikes with engine capacity above 150cc to 400cc in coming years. It has huge investment plan for this expansion. Check Out – Harley Davidson 338R Spotted For the First Time
Recently, Harley Davidson partnered with the China-based Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle to make smaller displacement capacity bikes. Both companies also plan to cooperate in component and supply chain optimization and extend their partnership to other Asian markets including India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, Malaysia and Australia. The first model to roll out under this partnership will be a 338cc motorcycle that will be launched in China by the end of this year.
