It has been reported that Polaris, the renowned United States-based all-terrain vehicle (ATV) manufacturer, might begin assembling the luxury cruiser motorcycles of this brand in the sub-continent. Pankaj Dubey, the Managing Director of Polaris India, said that the ATV maker has plans to initiate CKD as well as the assembly of luxury cruiser bikes. However, the MD said that such events are not expected to occur before the next three to five years.
The local assembly of motorcycles will help Polaris owned Indian Motorcycles to compete against huge names like Harley-Davidson. The manufacturer is also planning to launch a new motorcycle below the 10 lakhs rupees range that would rival the Harley-Davidson Street 750.
Dubey said, “We hope to start CKD and local assembly in the next three-to five years. If things move in the right direction, then we may advance our plans. We are currently studying the market and our competition.” Polaris has delayed the plans of introducing electric vehicles due to cost concerns.
Dubey added, “Our study showed huge demand for electric vehicles but when we considered the cost of manufacturing, it was very high since we don’t have much of a localisation option.” Polaris is aiming to increase the network of the brand in the country. It is expected that the number of outlets will be increased from two to six. Currently, the company has outlets at Bengaluru and Delhi. The motorcycle brand is planning to extend its showrooms at Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
