Harley-Davidson has
had a presence in India since 2009. Are you satisfied with the progress the
company has made in the country?
We have built a firm foundation over the past seven years
and consistently demonstrated the power of being a customer-led company very
successfully. We continue to receive unparalleled enthusiasm for the brand and
now have over 12000 proud owners experiencing the freedom and adventure of
Harley-Davidson on Indian roads since we opened our first dealership in 2010.
Industry body SIAM has consistently placed us as the undisputed market leader
in India in the segment of 600 + cc motorcycles. Our market share as per SIAM
currently stands at 59.8% which is significantly more than the combined share
of other players.
More importantly, in the last seven years, we have helped
people see the relevance of Harley-Davidson to their own lives. With every year
passing, consumers have turn to Harley-Davidson for authentic and inspiring
ways of self-expression – be it through our motorcycles, motor clothes,
customization options or rallies and events.
As we progress, extending the reach of our brand continues
to remain our key priority. We are dialing things up and remain committed to
delivering high-demand, profitable products and premium retail experiences;
being a leader in the marketplace, extending the brand’s reach beyond core
customers and markets and cultivating great talent, leadership and culture for
a sustainable future.
You have products ranging from a little above
the Rs. 4 lakh mark to ones as high as Rs. 30 lakh. Among your category of
well-heeled customers, is there a preference for the low priced bikes?
Owning a Harley Davidson is an extension of your
personality. We offer 13 motorcycles in the India market and each motorcycle
has its own unique characteristics that appeal to different riders. We want
customers to have a Harley-Davidson motorcycle when they want it and not only
when they can afford it. A testament to that is the Street 750 motorcycle that
is accessible to a much wider global customer base. The racetrack-inspired
Sportster family resonates with enthusiasts looking for sleek lines and
maneuverability, best suited for the country’s city roads. The Dynas resonate
with those looking for classic chrome styling, and is a bike suited both for
city traffic and open highway. The Softail family, with the legendary Fatboy
and Heritage Softail Classic, allow for a timeless look and touring essentials,
for biking enthusiasts who love heading out on the open highways to break away
from their everyday routine life. And finally, our Touring family offers
extraordinary comfort, power and durability for any on-road terrain or climate
- the ultimate motorcycles for the true explorer within you.
You have an assembly plant in Bawal in Haryana. Among your 13 bikes, as many as eight are
assembled here in India. Are any components or parts sourced from India or are
these bikes assembled out of 100pc imported parts?
Our sourcing decisions are based on quality, component
availability, supplier reliability and cost. We have an exacting quality and
performance standards for all components, regardless of source.
What is the single
most popular product in your portfolio and why do you think this model has
managed the maximum appeal?
We’ve had a great response to the Harley-Davidson Street
750. This motorcycle in particular is an example of how we are providing
opportunity to enthusiasts to experience the Harley-Davidson lifestyle and
welcome them to our family. It’s the most popular motorcycle in its segment and
continues to do well for us.
What is the current
status of your dealerships (Numbers) and is the H-D accessory business also
growing in size in India?
Currently, we have 21 authorised independent dealerships in
India. The urge to make a personal
statement through customisation is central to the soul of motorcycle riders and
Harley-Davidson is the longtime, undisputed leader of custom. We offer more
than 5000 genuine parts and accessories for our motorcycles ranging from paint
to muffler. Interest in customization continues among our customers across the
country, which is a clear reflection of the passion which they have for the
brand.
More bikes mean more
owners, so is it fair to assume that HOG enthusiasm and activities have
increased?
The Harley Owners Group is a growing community in India and
currently we have 7,000 H.O.G. members and 22 H.O.G. chapters each unique &
representative of the local riders and their culture. Local chapters allow
people who share a passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles to come together and
give riders plenty of opportunities to meet with friends, have fun, support
worthy causes, de-stress and of course ride. At the upcoming 5th Eastern H.O.G.
Rally in Indore which is being organised by the Tiger Chapter we expect over
1000 H.O.G. members from across India.