Harley-Davidson is expanding its assembly operations in India, increasing the number of models imported as complete knockdown kits to nine. Harley-Davidson will now assemble the Fat Boy, Fat Boy Special and Heritage Softail Classic in India, joining six models already being assembled in India.

The move follows India’s new budget which increases import duties on motorcycles with engines larger than 800cc to 75% from the previous rate of 60%. The higher duties would have resulted in higher prices for the three models. By moving assembly to India, Harley-Davidson was instead able to reduce the prices for the three models by over 20%. Continue Reading »

Triumph Motorcycles has announced plans to sell its motorcycles in India in 2012, becoming the latest manufacturer to enter the world’s second largest market.

Triumph has appointed Ashish Joshi as managing director for its operations in India. Joshi is the former head of European operations for India-based Royal Enfield.

According to a report from Dow Jones Newswires,Triumph plans to import fully built units but is considering having final assembly take place in India to lower tariffs. Triumph currently has two production facilities in Hinckley, England, and anothr three in Chonburi, Thailand.

Continue Reading »