Niranjan Gupta, the chief financial officer of the local two-wheeler giant, has hinted that a premium motorcycle jointly developed by Hero MotoCorp and Harley-Davidson could hit showrooms in India within the next two years. A report by PTI said the launch will be part of Hero MotoCorp’s strategy to strengthen its presence in India’s premium motorcycle market. Hero MotoCorp is currently leading the Indian two-wheeler market with its range of 100cc-110cc products. However, the company has always had ambitions for the premium segment. It has been planning to introduce models in the category to increase sales and improve profitability in the 160cc and above category.
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The upcoming co-developed high-end motorcycles will play a key role in this strategy. Regarding the upcoming launch of co-developed motorcycles, Gupta said that the company is building a strong line of high-end motorcycles and will launch models in this segment every year. He also said that in the next two years, there will be a variety of models in the mass production and high-end segments. Gupta further stated: “In the next two years, you will see both production models and profitable high-end models, including the platform we jointly developed with Harley.” The one-product strategy will help the company build market share in the premium segment and improve profitability in the medium term.
In October 2020, the homegrown two-wheeler specialist joined hands with iconic American motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson, months after the latter announced it was withdrawing from its Indian operations. This allowed Hero MotoCorp to capitalize on Harley’s brand equity to deliver on its dream of premium motorcycles, while also reinvigorating Harley-Davidson’s dealer and service network in the country.
As part of the partnership agreement, Hero MotoCorp will develop and market a range of premium motorcycles under the Harley-Davidson brand in India. The Indian company will also take care of service and parts requirements for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In addition to this, Hero MotoCorp will also sell genuine Harley accessories and general merchandise, riding gear and apparel through the brand’s network of exclusive Harley-Davidson dealers and its existing sales network in India.
First published date: November 27, 2022 at 14:16 PM CST
https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/two-wheelers/first-hero-harley-co-developed-motorcycle-could-launch-in-india-by-2024-41669536348101.html