India will be the second country in which Harley-Davidson has CKD assembly operations outside the U.S., after Brazil where the Company began assembly operations in 1999.
“This investment will allow us to improve our market responsiveness and production flexibility while reducing the tariff burden, which we expect will drive growth over time by making our bikes more accessible to India’s consumers. Given the strong response we have received in the initial months of retail operations, we believe this is the right investment for this important market,” said Harley-Davidson Motor Company President and Chief Operating Officer Matthew S. Levatich.
Harley-Davidson India began operations in August 2009 and opened its first dealership in July 2010. The Company currently offers 12 models in its 2010 line-up in India, available through authorized dealerships in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh and Hyderabad.
“We are committed to global growth and growth in India for the long term,” continued Levatich. “India’s rapidly growing economy, rising middle class and significant investment in construction of new roads and highways are paving the way for leisure motorcycle riding.”
“We are building a strong foundation for our business in India, first by establishing a world-class dealer network, and now by commencing CKD assembly operations,” said Anoop Prakash, Managing Director for Harley-DavidsonIndia. “It is important for us to continue to invest in strategies that make our products and experiences accessible to an increasingly broader set of customers across India.”
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