US-based off-road vehicle-maker Polaris Industries on Wednesday forayed into the Indian market with plans to set up an assembly facility within the next five years as it looks to clock revenues of up to $400 million from the country by then.

The company, which has started its operations in the country through a wholly-owned subsidiary, is looking to set up a research and development centre and introduce its high-end motorcycles in India in the next 3—5 years.

Polaris India Pvt Ltd had earlier appointed former Yamaha India National Business Head, Mr Pankaj Dubey as its Managing Director.

“Polaris sees significant growth in the next five years and is targeting a $5 billion turnover globally. India is a long-term opportunity for Polaris and we are expecting sales between $100 million and $400 million from here by then,” said Mr Bennett J Morgan, President and COO, Polaris Industries.

The company today introduced its off-road, all-terrain vehicles, priced between Rs 2.4 lakh and Rs 20 lakh (Delhi), in India. The products will be imported as completely built units from its facilities in the US and Mexico.

When asked if the firm will set up any assembly unit in India, Morgan said, “We are now paying very heavy duty to the tune of 116 per cent. Once volume increases, we will look for setting up manufacturing facilities.”

The company may also explore possibilities to tie up with a local partner to produce the products under a contract manufacturing agreement, he added.

Polaris Industries Vice—President (Global New Market Development) Mr Mike Dougherty said the company will develop future products keeping in mind Indian conditions. “Products in India will be different from those in the US. Our future product development will also consider specifically the Indian market,” he added.

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