August 7, 2018
As part of its expansion in India, the world’s biggest and fastest growing bike market since 2016, Benelli plans to launch 12 new bike models by end-2019
The Italian company will set up an assembly operations in the first phase for local markets and a manufacturing plant in the second phase for export markets
On the back of expanding sales and production network, Benelli is looking to increase annual sales in India to 3,000 units from the nearly 2,200 it sold earlier
India had become the largest two-wheeler market in the world after selling 17.7 million units in 2016. The sector is expected to grow by 9 per cent in 2018
Italian bike manufacturer Benelli is re-entering India with plans to launch multiple models and set up a development and manufacturing hub, according to media report citing a media statement on August 7. Benelli, which had discontinued sales in India in April 2018 owing to partnership issues, is resuming operations in a tie-up with Hyderabad-based auto dealer Adishwar Auto Ride India-Mahavir Group . As part of its expansion in India, the world’s biggest and fastest growing bike market since 2016, Benelli plans to launch 12 new bike models by end-2019. The company also aims to set up a production hub in the nation to not just cater to local demand but that from markets in Asia, Europe and South America.
Benelli expects to restart retailing in India by October 2018 and set up around 40 retail hubs in phases across India over the next two years, taking the total count to around 60. The company has signed a preliminary agreement with the Government of Telangana to set up an 3 acres assembly plant in Hyderabad, which is anticipated to start production in October 2018. The plant is touted to produce 10,000 bikes every year. The Italian company will set up its assembly operations in the first phase and will set up a development and manufacturing capacity in the second phase over 20 acres. Benelli is studying a plan to set up the designing to manufacturing facility over the coming six to 18 months.
The investment in manufacturing as well as creating customer experiences in India will allow Benelli to offer premium bikes at competitive prices. Since its last operation in India, the company has maintained 18 dealers that will rejoin operations. On the back of expanding network, Benelli is looking to increase annual sales in India to 3,000 units from the nearly 2,200 it sold earlier. Founded in 1911, Benelli, which is now owned by China’s QianJiang Group, has a presence in more than 60 countries. Meanwhile, India had become the largest two-wheeler market in the world after selling 17.7 million units in 2016. The two-wheeler segment in India is expected to grow by 9 per cent in 2018 driven by improving economics.