DSK
Motowheels of India has partnered with Italian motorcycling legend Benelli to
establish DSK Benelli in India. Established in 2012, DSK Motowheels, a part of
the Rs 5000 crore DSK Group forayed into the growing automobile sector by
entering the niche segment of powerful and aspirational bikes. The group also
has a tie up with Hyosung Motorcycles of South Korea.
DSK
Motowheels will play a pivotal role assembling and selling Benelli bikes across
the country and supporting them with a backup of service and spares. DSK
Benelli will set up exclusive dealerships in 20 cities over the coming 6-8
Months. An Initial round of dealerships
will come up in the Indian cities of Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore,
Chandigarh, Chennai and Kolkata in next 3-4 months.
This landmark
Indo-Italian tie-up paves the way for a high-end biking experience through
Benelli’s extensive bike range.
On this
occasion, the company showcased the largest range of distinctively Italian
flavored bikes seen in India to date, including the sporty looking Tornado
Naked TRE, or TNT superbikes that include the in-line, two cylinder TNT 302,
the in-line, four-cylinder 600cc TNT 600 i as well as TNT 600 GT, the 898cc,
in-line, three-cylinder TNT899 and 1131cc, also in-line, three-cylinder engine
powered TNT1130R, a 155bhp plus superbike.
Frank Zhuang,
Board Director of Benelli QJ SRL who was present at the historic tie-up
announcement said “After establishing our footprint in nearly 30 countries like
Italy, Germany, France, China, UK, USA, Australia and Spain to name a few, we
now wish to introduce some of the world’s best designed and performing
superbikes to the second largest two wheeler market in the world. The Indian
two wheeler market is growing at a volume of 10-12pc and is set to achieve a
size of 21-23 million units by 2015-16.”
He further
added that the ndian market is the most important market for Benelli, and this
will become one of the biggest markets for the company in terms of sales. “Our partner DSK has a profound knowledge and
good experience in the Indian Superbike market. DSK Motowheels are today the
fastest growing superbike Company in India with strong financial power. We
firmly believe Benelli will have great success in India with DSK as its
partner, by launching right products at the right time with the right pricing,”
he said.
Shirish
Kulkarni, Chairman of DSK Motowheels said that he was confident that his
company will revolutionise the Indian superbike industry with “our
understanding and experience in the Indian superbike market, and the ability to
put up a wide dealer network coupled with an impressive line-up of Benelli
superbikes that offers something for every rider”.
Benelli
commenced operations in the year 1911, making them the oldest Italian
motorcycle company.
The firms
colourful journey began as the ‘Benelli Garage’ in 1911, where 6 Benelli
brothers Giuseppe, Giovanni, Francesco, Filippo, Domenico and Antonio (also
known as Tonino) worked together passionately repairing and manufacturing
motorcycles. Benelli went on to earn accolades in the action packed world of
motorsports, with Benelli bikes quickly earning the illustrious distinction of
playing a key role in over a thousand victories in the Italian, European and
World racing championships since 1939. Born of this rich, pure lineage, Benelli
today boasts an impressive range of capable, globally respected Superbikes that
marry heritage, innovation, styling and technological prowess. Benelli’s
distinctly stylish motorcycles are known for their Italian flamboyance and the
ability to provide riders from all walks of life a pure, high performance
experience.
Picture of
Benelli TNT1130R motorcycle