Fatboy makers push for big growth in Tamil Nadu

The outlet would offer sales and service besides original merchandise to customers. The company plans to take the total number of outlets to 30 by this year end. Peter MacKenzie, MD, Harley Davidson India, (pictured) talks about the brand’s plans going forth. 

Harley-Davidson (HD) entered India in 2010 and has since been a frontrunner in establishing the leisure riding culture that has rapidly evolved in the country. The brand has grown steadily as the consumer has changed his/her preferences and outlook. Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) reported Harley as the leaders in the leisure riding segment. India is an important market and at par with our overall focus.

Tamil Nadu is one of the few states in the country where we have a presence in more than one city. An important distinction is that Harley-Davidson owners form the youngest age group in the world. Harley has a diverse model mix and we have an offering that appeals to people from all age groups with different requirements.

The launch of our dealerships in Tier II cities such as Coimbatore, Kolhapur, Pune, Jaipur, Surat, Nagpur, Lucknow, Indore, Guwahati, Ludhiana stands testimony to the strategic expansion plans undertaken by Harley in India in the emerging cities of the country. We have received an encouraging response from our customers in these cities which continues to inspire our growth plans. We have 27 authorized dealerships across the country and the response has been phenomenal. While the urban rider is no stranger to superbikes/leisure motorcycling, the Tier-two individual is showing a steady increase in interest towards the leisure riding culture. With growth of improved road networks across the country and growing aspiration of people, the Tier II market has witnessed a sudden upsurge in the field of leisure motorcycling. 

The Street motorcycle range forms the entry level product offering in India and it is completely manufactured at our plant in Bawal. We will continue to adopt and invest in strategies that help drive longterm performance and expand our dealer network. We are taking steps to build stronger and deeper connections with our loyal current customers, and reach and win new customers, riders and non-riders alike. The opening of the Chennai dealership is a step in that direction.