Photo: Catalin Garmacea
MV Agusta joins the ranks of motorcycle manufacturers who take a bold step and enter the massive and promising Indian market. Back in late June, we reported on rumors that saw MV Agusta teaming up with their former partner and local producer Kinetic, but now the deal was confirmed.
Kinetic Group is an Indian motorcycle and engine manufacturer, and an older partner of MV Agusta's. Back in the day when Cagiva and MV Agusta were together under the same umbrella, Kinetic has manufactured the engine and the frame for the Cagiva Mito 125.
The new deal sees Kinetic establishing a dealership and showroom network in India's major cities. At the same time, Kinetic's personnel will also be instructed to provide aftersale services, and also perform the maintenance and servicing duties for the bikes sold in India.
Importing completely built units is, however, the easiest way to start the motorcycle sales business in a new market, and MV Agusta will definitely have their first bikes offered as CBU.
At the same time, the import taxes for bikes over 800cc in India add quite a lot to the final price, and MV Agusta machinery is not exactly the cheapest even in the home market. Autocarindia estimates that MV Agusta could also double CBU imports with semi knocked-down (SKD) kits to cut down the final price a bit.
The same source reports that Kinetic said that the MV Agusta machines will be offered for prices ranging between the equivalent of $18,400 and 50,500, or €16,700 and 45,900. No clear mention was made as to which models will reach India first, but we reckon that it won't be the most expensive ones. Still, MV Agusta is expected to bring the full line-up to Indian in two-three years' time.
The new deal sees Kinetic establishing a dealership and showroom network in India's major cities. At the same time, Kinetic's personnel will also be instructed to provide aftersale services, and also perform the maintenance and servicing duties for the bikes sold in India.
Completely built units (CBUs) or semi knocked-down (SKD)?
The information on the future of MV Agusta and Kinetic's operations is still scarce, and it is yet uncertain if the house of Schiranna will only import motorcycles in CBU form or will seek for other opportunities as well.Importing completely built units is, however, the easiest way to start the motorcycle sales business in a new market, and MV Agusta will definitely have their first bikes offered as CBU.
At the same time, the import taxes for bikes over 800cc in India add quite a lot to the final price, and MV Agusta machinery is not exactly the cheapest even in the home market. Autocarindia estimates that MV Agusta could also double CBU imports with semi knocked-down (SKD) kits to cut down the final price a bit.
The same source reports that Kinetic said that the MV Agusta machines will be offered for prices ranging between the equivalent of $18,400 and 50,500, or €16,700 and 45,900. No clear mention was made as to which models will reach India first, but we reckon that it won't be the most expensive ones. Still, MV Agusta is expected to bring the full line-up to Indian in two-three years' time.
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