As a part of its Rewire strategy, Harley-Davidson have signed a new distribution and licensing agreement with Hero MotoCorp for the Indian market. Under this partnership, Hero MotorCorp will be responsible for the sales and services of Harley Davidson motorcycles via the American bikemaker’s existing outlets. In addition, the Indian partner will also sell Harley’s components, accessories, riding gear, apparel and general merchandise through the brand-exclusive Harley-Davidson dealers and Hero’s existing dealership network.
According to the new licensing agreement, Hero MotoCorp will develop and sell a range of premium motorcycles under the Harley Davidson brand name. As of now, there is no information about the kind of bikes Hero MotorCorp will develop under the American brand name. Though, the speculations suggest that the company might bring in the entry-level Harley-Davidson motorcycles to target the Asian countries including India.
Till now, the Harley-Davidson Street 750 is the smallest and most affordable bike from the American carmaker in the country. With the new partnership with Hero MotorCorp, the American bikemaker is planning to tap the potential Asian markets. The small displacement Harley-Davidson motorcycles, that will be developed by its Indian partner, are likely to be in the range of 250cc-500cc.
For people not in the know, Harley-Davidson recently entered into a partnership with the China-based Qianjiang Group for developing smaller displacement capacity motorcycles. The first model is likely to be the Harley-Davidson 338, which might be launched in China by the end of this year. Both companies also agree to cooperate in component and supply chain optimization and expand their partnership to other Asian markets.
Harley-Davidson discontinued its sales and manufacturing operations in India in September, 2020. The company expects to complete the restructuring process within the next 12 months including optimizing its global dealer network, exiting select global markets and discontinuing its sales and manufacturing operations in India.
