‘We expect to continue our dream run’

The 112-year-old Triumph is upbeat on its prospects in India. Having launched 10 models at one go in November 2013, the British motorcycle brand has added six more to its portfolio. It plans to launch strengthen its adventure range with the launch of another Tiger model. Vimal Sumbly, Managing Director of Triumph Motorcycles India, discusses the road ahead.

Could we start off with an update on Triumph’s progress in India?

Triumph Motorcycles is doing very well and boasts of over 2000 ‘triumphant’ customers across the country catered through 11 dealerships. It is the only premium two-wheeler brand in the country that has a robust product portfolio of 14 class defining models under five categories.  

The wide range span helps us connect to a larger consumer base with different riding needs. The product width is also a great opportunity for marketing and gives us the reach to cover the entire luxury bike industry rather than connect with just a fraction of riders.

From organising rides like Mission Kanyakumari to Kashmir for the adventure category to the distinguished gentlemen’s ride for classics and cruisers and so on, there is just so much more we as a brand can do to ensure the right visibility in India.

Do you see this segment growing?

The market has seen a drastic upswing in the luxury premium space. The 500cc plus segment during 2008-2009 was hardly 450-500 bikes but ended with around 9,900 (bikes) last fiscal. I expect it to touch 20,000 units by 2020. People want to splurge and India is no longer a cost-driven market but more value-driven now.

Triumph offers customers a 3-cylinder layout designed to offer outstanding manoeuvrability and handling. The twin cylinder range offers instant torque with smooth power delivery and sound, a character that remains unrivalled.

Adventure motor biking is clearly gaining traction with big players like Triumph, Indian, Harley Davidson, Benelli and Regal Raptor stepping on the gas. What is your take?

We believe that every single road, lane and track on this earth is there to be ridden and just because they are made from dust, sand and mud does not mean the adventure has to stop. Our Tiger range brings added extra ruggedness and on the road or off, the riding position, handling and responsive engine gives the rider a lot of joy. They can handle all kinds of terrain and offer features to make riding smooth and comfortable.

Triumph is the largest premium two-wheeler brand in the adventure category across the globe as well as in India. With four class leading products: Tiger Explorer XC, Tiger XCx & XRx and the recently launched Tiger XR, Triumph gives the motorcycle enthusiasts an array of choices. The new Tiger XR was launched just three months after the XRx and XCx. In the last year, we have seen a growing demand for bikes in the adventure category.

What is the roadmap like for new models from Triumph?

Premium motorcycles can be divided into five broad categories: classics, supersports, roadsters, adventure and cruisers. Triumph has multiple products to offer under each of these. It is the only premium brand that offers 14 models under these categories for the Indian market.

The line-up includes the classic Bonneville and Bonneville T100, Thruxton, Speed and Street Triple, Rocket III Roadster, Storm, Thunderbird LT, the Tiger range and the Daytona 675 & 675R. Of these, 10 are assembled at our Manesar facility.

The introduction of new products will depend on demand in the category concerned. For instance, the new Thunderbird LT launched last winter is for ‘light touring’.

Could you also throw light on sales numbers?

We were at 602 units in FY ‘14 which doubled to 1,302 units the following fiscal. Today, we have over 2000 customers across the country and market sentiment is positive. We expect to continue our dream run in India and take up substantial market share by the end of FY ‘16.

What is the Triumph buyer profile like?

Triumph is an aspirational brand and we would like to reach out to as many people as possible. Every individual with a passion for riding in the age group of 25 to 45, whether a top executive or student is a potential customer. Motorcycling today has moved beyond the regular concept of commuting and is now being seen as a weekend indulgence for the new age Indian. Riding clubs play an important role in getting motorcycle enthusiasts and connoisseurs on a common platform. Triumph Motorcycles has riding club RATs (Riders Associations of Triumph) managed by dealerships in each city.

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