The Hindu Business Line : Taiwan bike maker Merida eyes 75% jump in sales

NEW DELHI: The Taiwan-based sports and leisure bicycle maker, Merida Bikes is looking to increase its sales in India by up to 75 per cent this fiscal on the back of its newly launched range of global models.

The company, which is present in India through an exclusive distribution agreement with APPL Bikes, had sold 2,000 units during the last fiscal.

“We have launched Merida’s 2010 global range in the country. We expect good response to the new range and are aiming to increase sales by 75 per cent at 3,500 units this fiscal,” APPL Bikes Director Mr Aswath Kapoor said.

Ten new models of the 2010 Merida Range were launched last week priced between Rs 17,000 and Rs 30,000. “Our new launches cater to both the mountain biking and road biking segments and is basically aimed at the urban upper-middle class customers,” he sai d.

Mr Kapoor said the company will also be increasing its distribution chain by opening two more exclusive outlets by March 2010, one each in Gurgaon and Chandigarh. It will also double the number of dealerships across the country to 20, from 10 now.

APPL had earlier introduced Merida’s 2008 and 2009 global ranges in India and currently markets around two dozen models of the premium segment bike maker.

Mr Kapoor said the company has also tied up with RPG Entreprises’ subsidiary, Spencer’s Retail for distribution of its bikes. - PTI

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