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Sep 27
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After Argentina, Indian Motorcycle Maker Royal Enfield To Set Up Assembly Unit In Thailand

By General Posts

by Swarajya Staff from https://swarajyamag.com

Expanding its overseas operations, Indian motorcycle maker Royal Enfield is setting up an assembling plant in Thailand, reports Nikkei Asian Review.

This would mark Royal Enfield’s second plant out of India, as it recently operationalised its first overseas factory in Argentina. The company aims to utilise the upcoming Thai plant as a hub to export to other nations in the ASEAN, including motorcycle-intensive markets like Indonesia and Vietnam.

It should be noted that Thailand is Southeast Asia’s largest automobile manufacturer, and houses factories of some noted and global motorcycle majors like Honda, Yamaha and Harley-Davidson.

The Royal Enfield factory in Thailand’s Chachoengsao province will be using at least 40 per cent of local parts while importing the rest from India. The facility is expected to start operations in April 2021.

It should be noted that Royal Enfield has witnessed its 2019 year-on-year sales in Thailand more than double. It already has 36 showrooms in Thailand and is planning to expand with showrooms in Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia in the coming years.

Sep 25
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Harley in talks with Hero for distribution deal after exiting India

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by Aditya Kalra & Aditi Shah from Reuters and https://www.business-standard.com

Harley, known for its heavy touring motorcycles, struggled in India mainly because of high import duties. Harley’s 33 dealerships will likely come under Hero’s management under the new arrangement, said one of the sources.

Harley-Davidson Inc is in advanced talks with India’s Hero MotoCorp for a distribution deal which will allow the U.S. firm’s iconic motorcycles to be sold in India, after it stops local manufacturing there, three sources told Reuters.

The Milwaukee-based company said on Thursday it will stop sales and shut its manufacturing plant in India, effectively abandoning the world’s biggest motorcycle market after a decade of unsuccessful efforts to gain a foothold.

Harley however is in talks with Hero MotoCorp to enter into a distribution arrangement that will allow the Indian company to import and sell Harley bikes as its sole distributor, two sources with familiar with the talks said.

“Hero will be the master distributor for Harley bikes in India … This will be a partnership, a strategic alliance,” said one of the sources, all of whom declined to be named as the discussions were private.

Discussions are also ongoing to let Hero become a contract manufacturer for at least one Harley motorcycle with 300-600 cc engine capacity, which it will launch later, the first source added.

The financial details of the deal were not immediately clear.

Asked about talks with Hero, a Harley spokeswoman said the company can’t comment on “rumours or speculation”. On Thursday, it said it was “changing its business model in India & evaluating options to continue to serve customers.”

Hero MotoCorp, which is the India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer by sales, said it doesn’t comment on market speculation. It produced 6.4 million two-wheeler scooters and motorcycles in the fiscal year ending March 2020, a third of India’s total output.

Harley manufactured just 4,500 motorcycles during that period, largely assembled from imported knock-down kits at its plant near New Delhi, which it will shut as part of its announced restructuring.

Harley’s decision to stop direct manufacturing marks another major exit by an automotive player in India and is a setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has been inviting foreign firms to ramp up local production. Ford Motor and General Motors have both pared their India operations in recent years.

Harley, known for its heavy touring motorcycles, struggled in India mainly because of high import duties – which U.S. President Donald Trump often criticized India for – and also because its locally assembled bikes faced high taxes.

Hero typically sells motorcycles with engine capacities of under 200 cc and a deal with Harley will help speed up its entry into the mid- and high-engine segments favoured by biking enthusiasts and young leisure riders, the second source said.

“In that segment, biking is moving to a fashion purchase for leisure, weekend rides and Harley bikes will do well with higher local content,” said the source, adding Harley was also likely to provide technology know-how and inputs on quality standards to Hero.

Harley’s 33 dealerships will likely come under Hero’s management under the new arrangement, said one of the sources.

Sep 24
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Harley-Davidson to shut sales and manufacturing operations in India

By General Posts

from https://indianexpress.com and https://www.reuters.com

The announcement comes two months after Harley unveiled a strategy to shift focus back to more profitable motorcycles and core markets such as the United States.

Harley-Davidson Inc said on Thursday it would discontinue its sales and manufacturing operations in India, effectively abandoning the world’s biggest motorcycle market after a decade of unsuccessful efforts to gain a foothold.

Harley had spent recent months moving dealerships in the country to cheaper locations, and the announcement followed speculation in Indian media a month ago that executives had played down.

The move involves $75 million in restructuring costs, some 70 redundancies and the closure of its Bawal plant, walking away from a market worth about 17 million bike and scooter sales a year. It will retain only a scaled-down sales office in Gurgaon, south of New Delhi.

The departure is also the latest setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategy to encourage domestic manufacturing that would keep more of the fruits of a gigantic home consumer market in India.

Harley has been scrambling for years to grow sales beyond baby boomers in the United States and has not posted retail sales growth there in the past 14 quarters.

Chief Executive Officer Jochen Zeitz, who took the reins at the company in February, unveiled a major “Rewire” in July to boost profits by reducing Harley’s product portfolio by 30% and investing in 50 markets with growth potential in North America, Europe and parts of Asia Pacific.

India was one of the markets the company at that point committed to investing in more heavily. Thursday’s statement said the move to leave had been pushed through since Aug. 6.

Harley said it now expects total restructuring costs of about $169 million in 2020, but warned that the restructuring program – referred to internally as “The Rewire” – was likely to incur more charges.

India, still far cheaper and poorer than many of the developing economies with which it competes for investment, has proven an inhospitable market for other auto industry players.

Harley books $75 mln in fresh restructuring costs, discontinues India operations

Sept 24 (Reuters) – U.S. motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson said on Thursday it expects to report $75 million in additional restructuring costs for 2020 related to actions including discontinuing its sales and manufacturing operations in India.

The company said it now expects total restructuring costs of about$169 million in 2020.

(Reuters) – Harley-Davidson Inc HOG.N said on Thursday it would discontinue its sales and manufacturing operations in India, effectively abandoning the world’s biggest motorcycle market after a decade of unsuccessful efforts to gain a foothold.

Harley had spent recent months moving dealerships in the country to cheaper locations, and the announcement followed speculation in Indian media a month ago that executives had played down.

The move involves $75 million in restructuring costs, some 70 redundancies and the closure of its Bawal plant, walking away from a market worth about 17 million bike and scooter sales a year. (bit.ly/3mPHZnx) It will retain only a scaled-down sales office in Gurgaon, south of New Delhi.

The departure is also the latest setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategy to encourage domestic manufacturing that would keep more of the fruits of a gigantic home consumer market in India.

Harley has been scrambling for years to grow sales beyond baby boomers in the United States and has not posted retail sales growth there in the past 14 quarters.

Chief Executive Officer Jochen Zeitz, who took the reins at the company in February, unveiled a major “Rewire” in July to boost profits by reducing Harley’s product portfolio by 30% and investing in 50 markets with growth potential in North America, Europe and parts of Asia Pacific.

India was one of the markets the company at that point committed to investing in more heavily. Thursday’s statement said the move to leave had been pushed through since Aug. 6.

Harley said it now expects total restructuring costs of about $169 million in 2020, but warned that the restructuring program – referred to internally as “The Rewire” – was likely to incur more charges.

India, still far cheaper and poorer than many of the developing economies with which it competes for investment, has proven an inhospitable market for other auto industry players.

Last year, Ford Motor Co F.N pared back its interests and ceased independent operations in India by entering into a joint venture with Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra MAHM.NS.

General Motors GM.N, which stopped domestic sales in 2017, also plans to stop manufacturing and exports from India by the end of this year.

Growth in domestic sales has slowed of late – with sales of cars and motorbikes falling 18% in the last fiscal year to March 31 from a year ago.

Sep 15
Love1

Motorcycle Tourism: Dawn of a New Adventure

By General Posts

from https://motorcycles.einnews.com

GURGAON, HARYANA, INDIA, September 15, 2020 /EINPresswire.com/ — Tourism may seem improbable now given the fears concerning Covid-19 but that has not stopped tour operators and companies from doling out fresh adventures, new routes and customized itineraries to woo travellers.

Wild Triumph, a Gurgaon based motorcycle touring company, this week announced customized theme tours and new adventures in there pre-existing motorcycle tour package. Considering the uncertainty around travel, the offer allows for modifications and is fully refundable. “The amenities have been tailor made for the post Covid scenario. Motorcycle enthusiasts seeking travel experience through the sub-continent terrains can now opt for a bike of their choice, a pre-designed tour package, and customize it as per their preference.” said a company official.

The country welcomes millions of tourists every year, and lately a new type of traveler has started arriving — motorcyclist. With regards to this emerging sector a unique motorcycle tour connecting Manali, Spiti Valley and Ladakh has been introduced by the Tourism Department, for riders seeking history and culture to accompany adventure.

“Nature’s beauty seems so much closer from the seat of a saddle” said Mohit Chauhan, Director of Wild Triumph. “We take our group of riders off the beaten tracks and into the valleys of astounding landscape. The picturesque and majestic view along the ride leaves the riders spellbound. Besides, touring through motorbike offers a more intimate connection with the people of the places you pass through.”

For travelers who want to ride in India and the neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Mongolia the bikes currently on offer are Royal Enfield, Triumph Tiger, BMW, and KTM. Prices per person for Royal Enfield Classic and Himalayan start from 1800 US Dollars for a 9-day trip to Himalayas of Ladakh, likewise for a 14-day Gobi Desert Bike adventure in Mongolia the price starts from 4000 US Dollars.

The tour is pre designed for every riding style: A 12-day luxury tour of Rajasthan & Taj Mahal that gives a completely different experience to riders compared with the Himalayan adventure, a bike trip through South India commonly known as the “Spice Route” and the 13-day Royal Enfield cultural tour of Rajasthan, Varanasi & New Delhi.

While these are some of the fixed itineraries for riders to choose from, the company also customizes the tour as per the budget and duration requested by the group. Something that amazes most of the riders!

Riders also have the option to rent safety gear, helmets, cameras and GPS. For multi day itineraries, the company installs saddle bags to carry personal belongings and a backup truck to carry spares, luggage, camping gear, tech support, medical first aid, etc. These tours usually come along with a mechanic, tour leader and a guide to get you along the places really well.

About Wild Triumph

A specialist in motorcycle tours, Wild Triumph organizes bike tour adventures across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand and Mongolia. With a well-certified team of over 100 employees having experience of more than a decade in motorcycle tourism industry, they are working hard to provide the finest services.

Sep 14
Love0

Harley-Davidson Bara Bore Is a Fat Boy on an Indian Diet

By General Posts

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

Seeing how many custom garages are out there working their magic on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, one might be tricked into believing this is something anyone can do. After all, Harley itself made it incredibly easy for custom shops to make a living off their products – if anything, the Milwaukee based bike maker is the most tuner-friendly industry giant there is.

Over the past few months we’ve talked aplenty about Harley and the aftermarket world it is so much a part of. We’ve had the King of Kings competition dedicated to international Harley dealers back in May, then the health-crisis inspired The No Show dedicated to minor custom builders in the U.S., and of course our extensive coverage of the custom Harley movement in Europe.

But there are shops living off the American two-wheelers in other parts of the world as well. India, for instance, is one of the bike maker’s major markets, and there’s even a local factory catering to the needs of the Asian Indian customers.

One of the most visible Indian garages in the country is Rajputana. We’ve only recently started talking about their Harleys, and we’ll probably not keep it up for long. These guys seem to like Royal Enfields more, as in there are only a handful of Harleys in their portfolio. All are incredible unique though to deserve a place under the spotlight – we’ve already talked a bit about the modified Street 750 and the Forty-Eight these guys are responsible for.

Now it’s time for a Fat Boy that got a taste of Indian styling. Just like in the case of the other two, we are only being told that modifications to the stock bike can take from six to eight months, but we are not being told what these modifications are.

Some of them are clearly visible though, and we’re talking about a new wheel design, repositioned exhaust, a slimmed-down seat, redesigned fenders, and the usual Rajputana touches on the fuel tank, engine block, and the significantly raised handlebars.

In Indian speak, this conversion is called Bara Bore. We are not being told how much it cost to make, but a simple inquiry on the garage’s website can answer that question for those interested.

Sep 09
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Harley Courts Mahindra, Bajaj, and Hero For Indian Partnership

By General Posts

by Dustin Wheelen from https://www.rideapart.com

Harley-Davidson has been trying to find its way in a rapidly modernizing world for years now. In the saga’s latest installment, the Milwaukee-based brand ditched Matt Levatich and installed Jochen Zeits as the new President and CEO, changes have been swift and steady. From potentially nixing the Bronx to creating a Chief Digital Officer role, the new regime is implementing its Rewire plan without batting an eye.

With the company projecting jobs cuts in 2020 and speculation that the Street lineup will bite the dust, many Indian outlet are reporting that Harley’s Bawal factory could soon shut down. As the MoCo shifts its Asia Pacific operations to Thailand, talks with Mahinda & Mahinda, Hero Motocorp, and Bajaj are only fueling more rumors about the American brand’s future in the country.

Similar to KTM’s partnership with Bajaj or BMW’s TVS deal, the Bar and Shield could be seeking an affiliate to manufacture midsize motorcycles for the Indian market. Harley’s courters also include auto industry heavyweight Mahindra & Mahindra. As the owners of Classic Legends, the brand behind the Jawa revival and current BSA name-holders, the subsidiary could match the Motor Company’s retro aesthetic and satisfy its need for a global supply chain.

We should note that spokespeople from all brands involved are refusing to comment on the potential partnerships at this moment, but the talks certainly align with Zeits’ cost-cutting efforts. While the brand plans to focus on high-potential segments and markets, a presence in India is key for global success. Harley seems to be moving forward with its China-exclusive model 338R, and a similar tactic could benefit the MoCo in India.

We may be reading the tea leaves at this moment in time, but with cruiser sales continuing to dwindle in the U.S., Harley’s global presence will be more important than ever. Catering to the two most populous countries and the largest motorcycle markets in the world will be critical for the brand’s future. For now, we’ll have to wait and see if the company’s Indian factory closes by the end of the year and whether that begins a whole new phase of Harley’s ever-evolving modernization plan.

Sep 09
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Three models of Royal Enfield motorcycles to be built in Argentina

By General Posts

from https://en.mercopress.com

Royal Enfield, a classic English motorcycle brand but now belonging to an economic group from India opened on Tuesday its industrial complex in Campana, Argentina where it commenced the manufacturing of three models.

The Campana factory in Argentina is the first country to make the motorcycle outside India with an investment of some US$ 80 million and the creation of 100 jobs.

Besides the Indian company authorities, the inauguration counted with the attendance of Argentine president Alberto Fernández, the governor of Buenos Aires province, Axel Kicillof and the Development minister, Matias Kulfman, who also announced the government’s plan of soft credits for the purchase of the motorbikes in 48 installments at an interest rate half the estimated inflation.

The Indian group in Argentina is represented by SIMPA, which also imports other world motorcycle brands, such as KTM, Husqvarna, Vespa, Aprilia, Piaggio, Moto Guzzi and Can-Am.

Martin Shwartzm the Simpa group operations head said the three models which are to be built in the factory are the Interceptor and Continental GT (both 650cc) and the world famous double purpose Himalayan, with a 411cc engine.

Although a percentage of the motorcycle parts are imported, the three models to be manufactured in Campana also have a percentage of Argentine parts.

“This production development not only has created jobs but with the manufacture of parts in Argentina, allows for more accessible prices”, president Fernandez said.

Royal Enfield to commence local assembly of three of its motorcycles in Argentina

from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com

Royal Enfield on Wednesday said it will commence local assembly of its motorcycles in Argentina in partnership with Grupo Simpa, its local distributor in the country since 2018.

This will be the first time in Royal Enfield’s modern history that motorcycles will be assembled and produced outside the company’s manufacturing facilities in Chennai, India, the company said in a statement.

The local assembly unit in Argentina will be based at Grupo Simpa’s facility located in Campana, Buenos Aires.

“To begin with, the plant will locally assemble three motorcycle models – the Royal Enfield Himalayan, the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 – starting this month,” it added.

Commenting on the development, Royal Enfield CEO Vinod K Dasari said: “Royal Enfield has been working steadily to grow and expand the middleweight motorcycling segment globally and also to increase our footprint in important global markets.”

The company has grown its international presence significantly and now has a wide retail presence across 60 countries, he added.

“With a strategic view to cater to growing demand and to gain significant market advantage, we have been pursuing our plans to set up local assembly units across specific markets in the Asia Pacific region and across South America. In the first of these, we are very happy to announce the first CKD (Completely Knocked Down) assembly plant in Argentina,” Dasari said.

Argentina, which is among the biggest mid-size motorcycle markets in Latin America, and other South American countries have been an important market for Royal Enfield.

“Ever since we commenced sales since 2018 in Argentina, we have received a resounding response to our motorcycles from consumers. The local terrain and topography create the perfect canvas for riding our motorcycles, especially the Himalayan. The initial success of the 650 Twin motorcycles has also been very encouraging,” he said.

Dasari said Royal Enfield is deeply committed to focusing on becoming a part of the fabric of the country’s rich motorcycling culture.

“Our decision to start assembling our motorcycles in Argentina is testament to our long term commitment and increasing confidence in the market,” he added.

Royal Enfield had set up retail operations in Argentina in March 2018, with its first store in Vicente Lopez, Buenos Aires.

Since then, it has expanded its retail network and currently has 5 exclusive stores in Argentina. Overall, Royal Enfield has 31 exclusive stores and 40 other retail touchpoints in all Latin American countries.

Sep 07
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Harley-Davidson Street 750 Rajputana Is How Low-Price Custom Cool Looks Like

By General Posts

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

The Street motorcycle is the cheapest two-wheeler in the Harley portfolio, and it represents for most riders the entry point into the realm of the world’s most famous bike maker. As such, the range has been a sales leader in developing markets such as India ever since its introduction.

The Street 750 came to the world in 2014 as the bike maker’s first new model in more than a decade. It quickly grew to become exactly what was needed to tackle the need to expand in emerging markets. And selling lots of Streets meant that soon there were countless garages taking their own shot at the line.

The one in the gallery above was considered six years ago “the first officially sanctioned Street custom from an independent builder.” It’s a significantly modified 750 handled by an Indian garage called Rajputana Customs.

The shop specializes now in reimagining several bike makes, but have a soft spot for the Royal Enfield brand. Yet they seem quite apt at giving a new direction to Harley bikes as well.

It took the garage four weeks to put this thing together, and quite a lot of work went into it. Rajputana went for a more road-friendly approach by replacing the original forks with Suzuki GSX-R forks that are 25 percent stiffer, the dual shocks have been pulled out and a monoshock was fitted, the subframe replaced with a new one, and finally the belt drive was scrapped in favor of a chain.

Visually, the bike looks much more massive than the stock 750. That is owed to the fat tires and the swept down handlebars. The fuel tank is no longer were it used to be, as it was raised at the rear, and the fuel cap moved from the right to the left side.

We are not being told how much the conversion cost, or what happened to the bike after it was completed. Rajputana’s website no longer lists this Street 750 as one of their products, but does list another version of it called Makku V2.0.

Sep 07
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Harley plans to hitch a ride with two-wheeler makers

By General Posts

from Lijee Philip from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com

Harley plans to hitch a ride with two-wheeler makers, Classic Legends, Hero Motocorp frontrunners

Mahindra’s Classic Legends could be the obvious choice for the iconic leisure bike making company as it aligns very well with M&M’s approach of catering to the premium end of the market with marquee brands , and for Harley, it gets a local company with a large manufacturing facility and an established local supply chain.

After its global restructuring efforts to make Thailand its main hub for Asia Pacific, Harley Davidson is now understood to be exploring potential collaborations with Indian two-wheeler makers. The two possible names doing the rounds are Mahindra NSE -0.82 %’ subsidiary Classic Legends and Hero Motocorp NSE -1.89 %.

The potential Indian alliance partners could do contract manufacturing for Harley Davidson in the mid-size motorcycle space – in line with Bajaj-KTM or TVS-BMW.

Mahindra’s Classic Legends could be the obvious choice for the iconic leisure bike making company as it aligns very well with M&M’s approach of catering to the premium end of the market with marquee brands , and for Harley, it gets a local company with a large manufacturing facility and an established local supply chain.

Classic Legends was established to re-introduce iconic marquee motorcycle brands in the market and currently retails the Jawa motorcycle brand also owns iconic brands like BSA & Yezdi.

While it started of with impressive sales numbers, delays in deliveries and quality issues makes it difficult for the company to meet the growing demand.

Hero Motocorp has stated that it’s open to partnerships to get a stronger foothold in the premium segment. Market leaders in entry level/commuter and the 125cc segments, it lacks premium bike building capability.

After several attempts, Hero has finally managed to break-into 200 cc segment with Xtreme, but bikes beyond 350 cc domain does not exist with the maker of Splendor, with Harley coming on board, the positioning would have been quite complementary in nature.

Harley-Davidson has been scouting for alliance partners in India with a manufacturing and distribution network to make lightweight motorcycles in the sub-500cc category. Under the new CEO, things are being reviewed again, say sources. ..

While the contours of the agreements are still being worked on, sources say it will be a non-equity partnership to make bikes targeting the small displacement category.

To a detailed email query , Harley Davidson, Mahindra ,Hero Motocorp and Royal Enfield said it does not comment on market speculation and rumours.

“On its own and with limited volumes, Harley will struggle to localise. By partnering with a local company, Harley will not only be able to shed fixed cost, but also accelerate sourcing with the help of the local partner. Over the last five years, the company has explored mid-size motorcycles for India and India like emerging markets. Its model developed in China has a potential to cater to the Indian market,” said one of the several people in the know of the company’s plans.

Earlier this year, Harley partnered with Chinese motorcycle maker, Zhejiang Qianjiang, mother company to Benelli, to launch Benelli 350 and the Harley-Davidson 338. Such kind of a smaller capacity motorcycle will be important for the Milwaukee cult brand which has been seeing slower sales in the country.

Sep 04
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Bajaj to make Husqvarna electric motorcycle in India

By General Posts

by Nithyanandh Karuppaswamy from https://www.rushlane.com

The Husqvarna E-Pilen is most likely to have India as its primary production location

KTM and its sister brand Husqvarna are betting big on electric mobility in the long term. Following an electric scooter, the Swedish two wheeler brand Husqvarna is also working on a zero emission motorcycle called E-Pilen which is most likely to employ the modular electric platform which is being developed by KTM in association with Bajaj.

The existence of Husqvarna E-Pilen came to light, thanks to an internal document which was shared at an investor meeting organized by Pierer Mobility AG (KTM and Husqvarna’s parent company). The document not only shared an early concept sketch of the Husqvarna electric motorcycle but also revealed some key details. For starters, the compact street fighter will be available with modular battery pack and two power levels – 4 kW and 10 kW.

The document also indicates that the Husqvarna E-Pilen will be ready for a launch in 2022. Further details are scarce but considering that the Bajaj-KTM modular electric platform is being developed to cater to power outputs ranging between 3 to 10 kW, this product is most likely to be one of the first beneficiaries.

What does the image say?
The low resolution image of the Husqvarna E-Pilen appears to be that of a tentative concept. As the development process nears completion, the final design and equipment are expected to change. From what we can see from the photograph, the E-Pilen derives its design inspiration from the IC-engined Vitpilen and Svartpilen street fighters. The trellis frame, USD front forks, rear monoshock, alloy wheels and tyres are likely to be shared with its siblings.

The fuel tank is there only for aesthetic purposes and the space occupied by IC engine will accommodate an electric motor and modular battery system. It remains to be seen if the rear wheel is driven by chain or belt.

To be made in India
The aforementioned modular electric platform for compact premium motorcycles will have India as its primary production base. Like the compact displacement KTM and Husqvarna products, the upcoming electric models up to 10 kW will be made by Bajaj at its Chakan facility. We can expect the e-mobility platform to also spawn KTM and Bajaj branded products in due course.

Rivals
The Husqvarna E-Pilen will be positioned as a lifestyle urban mobility solution for young audience in Europe. In India, it will be a premium alternative to the likes of the Revolt RV400 and upcoming Tork T6X.