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Making an entry into India almost a year later than proposed, British bike maker Triumph Motorcycles Ltd on Thursday launched 10 models priced between Rs 5.7 lakh and Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The iconic motorcycles company that had planned to enter the Indian shores in October 2012 said it was preparing to set up sales and marketing teams, dealers and after-sales service, besides finishing works at the completely knocked down factory in Manesar (Haryana).
“The showcase in Auto Expo 2012 was just to introduce ourselves and we took some time to work on areas of opportunity in India with intense activities such as marketing and support service for the brand,” Paul Stroud, Global Director (Sales & Marketing), Triumph Motorcycles, told Business Line on the sidelines of the launch here.
On competition with other premium bike makers such as Harley-Davidson in India, Paul said the Indian market for such motorcycles are growing dramatically and there is space for everyone.
Models to be sold
“Our brand stands parallel with Harley-Davidson (which is more of cruising bikes).
“In fact, we have wider range of motorcycles across all segments,” he said.
Thunderbird Storm and Rocket III Roadster are cruising bikes, while Daytona is a sports bike and Street Triple is a fighter motorcycle, Stroud added.
“So I think we have a strong proposition of motorcycles and, therefore, we are optimistic.”
The models to be sold in India include Bonneville T100, Daytona 675R, Street Triple, Speed Triple, Thruxton, Tiger 800XC, Thunderbird Storm and Rocket III Roadster.
Out of the 10 models, six will be assembled at the company’s Manesar plant, and four be imported from the UK and Thailand and sold as completely built units in India.
Dealerships
Triumph aims to sell around 500 bikes in the first six months, going up to 1,500 units over the next one year, Stroud said.
To start with, the company will open two dealerships at Bangalore and Hyderabad by the end of December and two more, in Mumbai and Delhi, will be opened in January.
“We plan to have nine dealerships across the country by March-end,” said Vimal Sumbly, Managing Director, Triumph Motorcycles India, adding other dealerships will come up in places such as Ahmedabad, Kochi, Kolkata and Pune.
The company has also tied up with HDFC Bank to arrange loan facility for customers, Sumbly added.
>ronendrasingh.s@thehindu.co.in
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