Harley Davidson May Set Up Its R&D In India

Harley Davidson, the cult motorcycles maker is making aggressive moves to establish itself in India. First, it was the launch of 12 models as CBUs in Delhi, Chandigarh and Hyderabad. Then, HD is looking for Assembly plant in India based on the business growth and now, Harley Davidson may tailor craft bikes for the domestic as well as Asian markets.

According to OD Copes, senior vice-president of international sales, marketing and business development, HDMC, and in charge of Asia Pacific, Latin America and Europe and Africa, Harley Davidson is looking for product development on an international basis and also learning what the product that customer's in different countries want.

Harley Davidson has aggressive plans to spread its wings across the country as it will open dealer networks in Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Nagpur, Indore, Pune and Gujarat. Interestingly, HD is planning to launch rental services for its bikes through the dealerships from the end of 2011. Since, the bikes are too costly to own, rental services will give a bigger scope to the company and also grab more bikers. Harley Davidson has joined hands with ICICI bank for providing finance to the buyers.
Harley Davidson's international sales is almost saturated and hence there is more scope for the company to sell bikes in emerging markets like India.

Harley Davidson's 12 models are priced from Rs. Rs6.95 upto Rs. 34.95 lakh