Benelli, the Italian global brand in super bikes, has signed up with the Hyderabad-based Mahavir Group to set up an assembly unit near Hyderabad.
It plans to roll out the first set of motorcycles from the new plant in October, and more models in 2019.
The company, which was founded in 1911 in Italy, and a part of the QJ Group of China since 2005, has identified India as a strategic market with a production line based on CKD units, and plans to gradually step it up as a manufacturing base.
Benelli and Adishwar Auto Ride India-Mahavir Group, entered into a strategic partnership to assemble and market Benelli range of motorcycles.
George Wang, Director, Benelli, said: “Our partnership with the Telangana government and Adishwar Auto reassures all of our long-term goal and manufacturing of ‘Make in India’ super bikes. India has been the largest producer of two-wheelers in the world and we have witnessed a growing demand for Benelli bikes across various categories. Currently, we have a 21 per cent market share in the super bike segment in India and our aim is to surpass it to over 30 per cent by 2021.”
As one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturing company, Benelli plans to consolidate its Indian presence with the launch of new models starting with two models this year and follow this up with more across different segments.
Assuring the Benelli management of all necessary help to set up their facility in the State, KT Rama Rao, Telangana’s IT and Industries Minister, said: “Our vision of making Telangana a hub for manufacturing is coming true with companies like Benelli entering into partnership with us and giving us commitment on employment generation and setting up a world class facility in the years to come.”
Vikas Jhabak, Managing Director of Mahavir, said: “The facility would be developed to assemble 10,000 units per annum initially. As the volumes grow, we will set up a full-fledged manufacturing unit near Hyderabad.”