Harley-Davidson India Update

It’s now 1 year that Harley-Davidson is selling 12 of its motorcycle models in India and in September will have a total of 5 dealerships in this country. Harley is evaluating how each model performs, will decide soon which ones should be sold in 2011 and at the same time is evaluating if it is worth assembling in India instead of facing high import duty fees.

This week, Harley-Davidson stated that if at one point they assemble locally they will do themselves, not under a joint venture with an India partner. If Harley decides to assemble in India, it will be its second assembly outside the US. The only one, for now, is in Brazil, where their motorcycles are assembled from bikes in completely knocked down position.(called CKD.)  Anoop Prakash, Managing Director of Harley-Davidson India, promised to announce Indian sales with the 3rd quarter results.

 Harley-Davidson believes that there is a huge growth potential in the Asian, Middle East and European markets. The company has a presence in China, Taiwan, Japan and Australia. In Asia, Japan is the largest in terms of volumes.

10 Responses to “Harley-Davidson India Update”


  1. 1 fuji Aug 30th, 2010 at 7:37 am

    I would assume that eventually HD will have to partner with a company in India. Many U.S. and other Countrys do

    Another note.

    Growth in the Pacific Rim comes with the risk of intellectual property theft. Namely China.

    China is the largest producer of motorcycles in the world and has the inherent name of technology thieves.

    China has already taken Honda motorcycle technology and started producing clones forcing Honda to do joint ventures with Chinese manufactures. Honda doing the R&D and China the manufacturing.

    If and when Harley Davidson proves that they have a substantial market base then game is on. Then who or Where will they be manufactured.

  2. 2 JimC Aug 30th, 2010 at 7:56 am

    Why does everyone just let China get away with the BS of stealing like they do. It is absolutely incredible that all of us just stand there and take it while at the same time begging China to do business with us. All the while they are shaking our hand and with their other hand reaching around ripping off our wallet.

  3. 3 Dave Blevins Aug 30th, 2010 at 11:56 am

    That bull looks pissed, probably rides a Honda…

  4. 4 martin Aug 30th, 2010 at 5:19 pm

    Fuji you are right on the money………

  5. 5 Barhopper Aug 31st, 2010 at 12:05 pm

    Is anyone paying attention here ….???

    Let’s re-cap – There’s talk of shutting down the production facilities in Milwaukee and only leaving the office headquarters. At nearly the same time they’re sticking their foot in the door in the Indian market. Now they’re eyeing Indian production to eliminate import duties. How long before your beloved “American made” Harley is mostly coming from OUTSIDE the USA ?!?!?!?

    Used to be the only “American” vehicles were Corvettes (made in Bowling Green, KY) and Harleys. Vettes are now partially made in Canada……….

    Another stab in the back to the American people by an “American” company ??!?!??! Or is it just another ‘sign of the times’ that America is dead and just hasn’t realized it yet ……????………

  6. 6 jatinder pal Aug 31st, 2010 at 12:47 pm

    They had got a very strong positive response….i was at opening party of first Harley dealership in delhi…apart from Sportster…all other models are price very steeply.Fatboy and Night rod costing nearly $40,000….the biggest minus point is that they had not launched Softail line.

    Lets see whats the future.

  7. 7 Doc Robinson Aug 31st, 2010 at 4:26 pm

    Relax Barhopper, it ain’t gonna happen that way. The Motor Company is using the threat of moving to another American state to leverage their bargaining power over the unions. My money is on Milwaukee remaining the manufacturing hub. There’s that little matter of the multi-million dollar museum …

  8. 8 Jeff Nicklus Sep 1st, 2010 at 12:30 pm

    With a move to India to manufacture HD’s … will that likewise mean The Motor Company will introduce such new models as: The Holstein (FHHOL), The Guernsey (FHTIT) and for those tough guys among us worldwide, the ever popular Jersey Dairy Bagger (FHXXX) ? Will the new Motor Companys “Official Sound” become the roar of a Cow Farting instead of the roar of a V-Twin? Just thinking outside of the box here!

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  9. 9 don jensen Sep 10th, 2010 at 7:28 pm

    I’ve owned 5 Harleys. I buy them because of the tradition of being one of the last American made cycles and their long history of loyalty to America.
    The bar and shield emblem is as good as the American flag to me. This I believe is why most people buy a Harley. Harley Davidson has a hugh loyal following of bike riders in America .
    I really can’t believe Harley Davidson would be stupid enough to move overseas and jeopardize this loyalty. But never underestimate GREED .They would be cutting their own throats for sure, and I believe it would spell the end of Harley Davidson. This was a hot topic at Sturgis this year with
    everyone I talked to saying if Harley moves their manufacturing out of the USA they would never buy another Harley Davidson motorcycle EVER, and this includes myself. DON’T F**KUP A GOOD THING HARLEY!!!!!!!!! Don’t become another TRAITOR company turning your back on America and your countrymen like so many other GREEDY MAGOT companies have.
    P.S………The new Indian motorcycles are made in North Carolina…their beautiful!!!!!

    BUY AMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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