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Tag: Harley Davidson

  • Hero Motocorp races ahead with 3.88 lakh dispatches in February 2025

    Hero Motocorp races ahead with 3.88 lakh dispatches in February 2025

    MUMBAI: Hero Motocorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, kept the throttle open in February 2025, dispatching 3.88 lakh units. While domestic sales stood at 3,57,296 units, the company also saw a stellar 33 per cent growth in global sales, crossing the 30,000-unit mark for the third consecutive month.

    Hero Motocorp reported 3,88,068 total dispatches in February 2025, with 3,57,296 units sold in the domestic market. Motorcycles remained the dominant category, contributing 3,52,312 units, while scooters accounted for 35,756 units. Year-to-date (YTD) figures saw a total of 53,49,583 units dispatched in FY25, up from 51,31,040 in FY24. Exports surged with 30,772 units shipped in February 2025, marking a significant increase from 23,153 units in February 2024, bringing YTD exports to 2,47,911 units compared to 1,69,765 in the previous fiscal year.

    Hero Motocorp’s electric vehicle brand, Vida, is riding a strong wave of popularity, dispatching 6,200 units in February. The growing success of the Vida V2 range reinforces the brand’s positioning as an aspirational yet accessible electric mobility solution.

    With the onset of the marriage season and new product launches, Hero Motocorp anticipates stronger momentum in the coming months. Strengthening its 125cc scooter lineup, the company has begun deliveries of the Destini 125, with Xoom 125 dispatches set to begin soon.

    Further expanding its premium retail footprint, over 64 ‘Premia’ dealerships now offer a seamless buying experience for Hero Motocorp, VIDA, and Harley-Davidson products all under one roof.

    Beyond sales figures, Hero Motocorp is accelerating skill development for women in the automotive sector. In collaboration with the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), the company has launched an upskilling initiative to train 20,000 women over the next 15 months in key automotive sales and service roles.

    Hero MotoSports Team Rally made its mark at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, with Nacho Cornejo securing an impressive 6th position. Cornejo showcased unwavering consistency, finishing in the top 10 in every stage and bagging two stage podiums.

  • LML partners with former Harley Davidson manufacturing facility in India

    LML partners with former Harley Davidson manufacturing facility in India

    MUMBAI : Laying the groundwork for a long-term future in the EV business in India, LML Electric on Thursday announced a strategic partnership with Saera Electric Auto, which formerly handled manufacturing for global major – Harley Davidson.

    The company will use Saera’s facility located in the auto hub of Bawal in Haryana to produce its disruptive range of upcoming electric vehicles. “The highly advanced and innovative infrastructure of Saera, backed by its historical competence in manufacturing will now be leveraged to develop the much talked about and anticipated EV range of products from the LML electric stable,” the company said in a statement.

    LML highlighted that it intends to build a future-ready manufacturing facility using Saera’s technology and processes. It termed the partnership as one of the first of many steps for LML to transition into a 100 per cent ‘Make in India’ company by end of 2025.

    “The manufacturing plant, which spans 2,17,800 square feet and has a capacity of 18,000 units per month, is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. It’s prior excellence in manufacturing for global behemoths would offer a distinct edge in streamlining, scaling up, and providing world-class quality assurance to LML, making this a very promising collaboration,” it said in the statement

    LML CEO Yogesh Bhatia said Saera was the company’s first choice because it holds unparalleled expertise and reputation with some of the world’s premier auto brands. “With this alliance as we aspire to create a brand that is 100 per cent localised and has an impeccable quality assurance that is world-class. We foresee an immediate need for automakers to reduce their dependence on imports and build an infrastructure that is designed and capable to address the rapidly growing demand in India and the world over. We are confident that this partnership will be a stepping stone in our vision to redefine and reimagine the future of EV manufacturing in India to bring the country at par with global manufacturing standards.”

  • Vijay Thomas to head Hero Motocorp marketing for premium segment

    Vijay Thomas to head Hero Motocorp marketing for premium segment

    NEW DELHI: Hero Motocorp has brought on Vijay Thomas to lead marketing for its premium segment range. 

    Thomas joins the organisation from Harley Davidson where he was last serving as lead marketing for the Indian market. During this time, he was leading demand generation, public relations, lead acquisition and management, brand building and marketing, product planning, new dealer onboarding, and experiential marketing.

    Thomas was associated with Harley for nearly 10 years and served in multiple roles such as customer experience, and assistant manager marketing.

    This was Thomas’ longest stint.

    He has over 16 years of industry experience and has worked at Virgin Mobile, Radio Mirchi and Southern Spice Music Television.

  • Will Hero be the saviour Harley-Davidson needs?

    Will Hero be the saviour Harley-Davidson needs?

    NEW DELHI: The world's largest two-wheeler manufacturing brand Hero MotoCorp earlier this week announced a distribution agreement with Harley-Davidson for the Indian market. As per the agreement, Hero will sell and service Harley motorcycles across the country.

    The development comes closely after Harley-Davidson announced an exit from the Indian market in September this year. Harley Davidson has been present for over 11 years in India. The brand said it is discontinuing sales and production operations in India as part of a global restructuring plan.

    As per the new deal Hero Motocorp will sell and service Harley bikes in India. 

    "Per a distribution agreement, Hero MotoCorp will sell and service Harley-Davidson motorcycles and sell parts and accessories and general merchandise riding gear and apparel through a network of brand-exclusive Harley-Davidson dealers and Hero’s existing dealership network in India. As part of a licensing agreement, Hero MotoCorp will develop and sell a range of premium motorcycles under the Harley-Davidson brand name," the Pawan Munjal-led company said in a regulatory filing.

    Read more news on Harley Davidson

    It must be noted that the two brands and their positioning in the market are completely different. Hero Motorbikes are largely in the daily use segment while Harley’s bikes cater to the leisure rider. Hero as a brand is known for its economy two-wheelers and it failed to capture the higher end market share even after having a product like Karizma. Customers aren't willing to part with a hefty sum just for a Hero motorcycle. It will be interesting to see how the deal will help both the brands in terms of their brand equity.

    Business strategist Lloyd Mathias opined that Hero and Harley Davidson motorbikes are within the same category but they compete in totally different segments. “The association is a win-win for both companies as Harley-Davidson gets to ride Hero MotoCorp’s vast distribution network and extensive customer service, while Hero gets to develop and sell a range of premium motorcycles under the Harley-Davidson brand name and therefore make its way into the top end of the motorbike segment.”

    Harley-Davidson had earlier hinted at exiting some tough markets as part of its strategic plan, which entails pulling out of loss-making markets and focusing on the US, Europe, and parts of Asia Pacific.

    In spite of being an iconic brand worldwide, Harley-Davidson failed in India for various reasons – from a lack of understanding of the Indian consumer, to faulty product mix, pricing & distribution issues. Even the market strategies adopted by the brand in India did not help it in gaining ground.

    Aashaar Marcom brand and communications consultant Amitava Mitra shared that even after the collab, Harley Davidson will remain the iconic brand it is. In this segment, customers will not be purchasing a Hero Motorcycle. They will be buying into the Harley experience. “Whatever Harley-Davidson brand’s relaunch in India in association with Hero MotoCorp, it will maintain the image, value, experience, and other brand traits. What will get added to it is the trust associated with Hero.”

    Hero acquired US-based Erik Buell Racing in the year 2015 in order to expand its operation in the premium bike segment. However, the company was not able to successfully capitalise on its move, and as a result, we haven't seen any major growth in Hero's portfolio till now.  Only time will tell what is the company's road map to roll out Harley products in India but, is it a well-played move by Hero to establish itself as a premium bike company?

    Mathias held the view that it’s a good strategy by Hero MotoCorp. "The passion biking segment is small but lucrative and growing. It is difficult for a global company to set up and run full-fledged operations to cater to this tiny segment and stay profitable. For Hero MotoCorp there is perfect synergy in operations and huge leverage. In effect, it will now have a strong presence in all segments of the motorbike category.”

    Would it be right for Hero to cannibalize the brand equity it has created in the lighter bikes segment? According to independent communication and marketing consultant Karthik Srinivasan, a single brand having two different sub-brands meant for two different prices and audience segments is quite normal. “For instance, Toyota owns Lexus at the premium end, while also producing entry, mid-level cars under its brand. In this case, Hero simply needs to retain and build on Harley's existing premium value and perception.”

    Mitra also believes it’s a brilliant move to get in an established and iconic premium brand into its fold. “Worldwide, there are mass and popular brands that have not managed the same levels of success in their premium, luxury ranges. Two brands that immediately come to mind are Toyota and Maruti Suzuki. Toyota used the Lexus and Maruti the Nexa as independent premium and luxury brands to garner market share in their respective premium categories.”

    He went on to note that Hero has always struggled in the premium motorcycle segment and this approach will certainly create a huge positive impact on the homegrown company’s overall market share. It will also ensure a strong presence in the higher CC category, premium two-wheeler segment.

    Harley as a brand doesn't need overt publicity and it relies solely on the hallmark it has created for so many years. But now being a Hero brand, how will the advertising model differ, and what will be the go-to strategy in the market?

    Srinivasan explained that given the price Harleys usually sell at, even Hero would realize that they are not meant to be mass-market products and would target the range appropriately. To be sure, “Harleys won't be a Hero-brand. And Hero would ensure that this stays so, to ensure that the brand value of both the brands remains intact.”

  • Harley Davidson exits India

    Harley Davidson exits India

    Harley-Davidson will shut down manufacturing and sales operations in India as part of its restructuring exercise under ‘The Rewire’ programme, the US-based motorcycle maker announced on Thursday.

    Earlier, in August, the bike maker had indicated to restructure business in some its loss making international markets to reroute focus on the US market. The move is going to increase the restructuring costs to 169 million dollars.

    Covid2019 is the key reason behind this decision as the brand was witnessing poor sales and weaker demand. Media reports say that Harley-Davidson India sold less than 2,500 units in the last financial year, making it one of its worst-performing international markets. SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) figures mention that Harley-Davidson sold only 103 units of motorcycles in India in July 2020 and 176 units last month in the country. Indian market contributed to only 5 per cent of the brands overall sales.

    The bike maker will be laying off employees from its assembly unit in Haryana.

    Read more news on Harley Davidson

    Harley-Davidson joins the growing list of automotive brands, such as General Motors, Fiat, UM Motorcycles and others which have exited India in the past.

  • Harley-Davidson India introduces India’s first-ever virtual H.O.G. Rally

    Harley-Davidson India introduces India’s first-ever virtual H.O.G. Rally

    National: Continuing the streak of offering the most experiential and innovative events to its riders, Harley-Davidson India recently hosted India’s first-ever live virtual Eastern H.O.G. ® Rally (EHR) over Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. The EHR is one of Harley-Davidson’s zonal rallies which was originally planned for March 2020, however, had to be postponed on account of the lockdown. In a 60-minute live streaming show, Harley-Davidson India found yet another way to celebrate the love for motorcycling by engaging over 5.7 Lakh organic viewers across H-D’s social media platforms & partner platforms. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Harley-Davidson India, through this virtual rally celebrated the shared passion for freedom, self-expression and epic adventure, attended live by thousands of H.O.G. community members. It also reached out to brand lovers outside the H.O.G. community giving them an opportunity to experience the Harley-Davidson lifestyle.

    Earlier in the year, the 8th India H.O.G. Rally was conducted in Goa in February ’20 that witnessed around 2500 riders joining the annual celebration in person.

    The Rally was kick-started by Mr. Sajeev Rajasekharan with a beauteous welcome message for the H.O.G. community, followed by a quick view on the post-lockdown phase by Regional Directors and the host dealer Bengal Harley-Davidson. The Rally offered exciting performances by leading artists such as Ash Chandler, The Unplugged Project, Rahul Ram from Indian Ocean and Debanjali Lily.

    Speaking on this first of its kind initiative, Sajeev Rajasekharan, Managing Director, – Asia Emerging Markets and India, Harley-Davidson said, “Harley-Davidson has always thrived upon sharing experiential events with their riders. With these changing times, Harley-Davidson India is adapting to new ways to provide experiences to its riders and deliver upon the promise of a Harley lifestyle.  This virtual rally is a testament of our commitment towards celebrating the H.O.G. community and keeping our riders at the forefront of everything we do.”

    The Virtual H.O.G. Rally also witnessed the first virtual launch of Harley Davidson’s new Low Rider® S model, a cruiser that takes a performance-first approach to customizing. This new model is powered by 1,868 CC Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine that puts out good 92 bhp at 5,020 rpm and 155 Nm and is paired with a six-speed transmission. The Low Rider S differentiates itself from the standard version with its all-black theme, it gets its styling inspiration from the West Coast custom design philosophy.  The new Low Rider S is the latest addition to the Softail family and is now available at most of the dealerships for a test ride. The model is priced at INR 14.69 lacs and was earlier introduced to market with a press announcement during the lockdown phase. 

  • Godrej L’Affaire concludes its fourth season with a grand celebration of lifestyle

    Godrej L’Affaire concludes its fourth season with a grand celebration of lifestyle

    MUMBAI: Godrej L’Affaire, a curated experiential lifestyle platform by the Godrej Group, concluded its fourth season in Mumbai. More than 1300 people including several prominent personalities attended Godrej L’Affaire.

    It kicked-off with a masterclass marking actress Bhumi Pednekar’s debut as a chef along with Chef Varun Inamdar. They engaged in a live cook-off followed by a conversation on how to bake a blockbuster. Celebrity couple Karanvir Bohra and Teejay Sidhu spoke about inculcating spirituality in children through travel. They also unveiled the trailer of their upcoming web-series ‘Baby Yatra’.

    Music director Shantanu Moitra did a standalone talk on his 100-day fascinating adventure across the Himalayas that changed his music forever. Designers Alan Abraham (Abraham John Architects), Madhav Raman (Anagram Architects), Swarup Dutta (Scenographer) and Asha Sairam (Studio Lotus) engaged in an insightful conversation, powered by Design Dekko, on ways to design homes that give back to nature and the importance of sustainable designs.

    The highlight of the evening soirée was ace couturiers Monisha Jaising and Shweta Bachchan Nanda’s luxury pret fashion label MxS’s first ever fashion show. The couture was street-inspired and had sportive elements and fabric mash-ups, giving the collection a jolt of energy. Supermodels like Carol Gracias, Deepti Gujral, Aanchal Kumar and Sucheta Sharma walked the ramp while the show was choreographed by Shie Lobo.

    Supporting Shweta’s first-ever MxS fashion show, Jaya Bachchan, among other celebrities, was also present. All models were accessorized with Isharya jewellery and watches by Guess Watches and Esprit, complementing the collection. India’s drag scene star, Sushant Divgikar, adorned his famed Rani Ko-He-Nur avatar for a musical performance with his band TopStorey leaving the audience mesmerized.

    The Godrej Food Trends Report – 2020 was unveiled at Godrej L’Affaire. The report curated by Rushina Munshaw-Ghildiyal is a compendium of insights, views and predictions collated from conversations with 150 experts – chefs, thought leaders and food influencers across major cities.

    Godrej Group executive director and chief brand officer Tanya Dubash said: "Godrej L’Affaire has redefined lifestyle trends with every new season. Be it personalities, experiences, footfalls and brand partnerships, our fourth season has raised the bar and turned out to be the most successful edition till date. Godrej L'Affaire has delivered on its promise of showcasing future lifestyle trends that people can adopt for a modern-day living.”

    Godrej L’Affaire soirée witnessed first time unveiling of Ginevra, a new perfume range from Tonino Lamborghini Fragrances. Radio host and producer Hrishikesh Kannan moderated an engaging panel comprising digital influencers such as Karishma Sakhrani, Khushnaz Turner, Rij Eappen, and Chef Amninder Sandhu. The panel titled ‘Make Space for Life’ by Godrej Interio, deliberated on the importance of maintaining work-life balance dynamics and explored what it takes to be an influencer.

    Tata Motors showcased its latest car in the electric vehicles segment –Tata Nexon EV. Godrej Locks unveiled an installation endorsing home safety, conceptualised and designed by Anand Menon and Shobhan Kothari of ADND, a prominent architecture, and interior design firm.

    Godrej L’Affaire’s fourth season presenting partner was MX Player, while the on-ground event was styled by Krsnaa Mehta of India Circus. The soirée offered experiences of top lifestyle brands such as Harley-Davidson, Guess Watches, BBLUNT, Esprit, Godrej Security Solutions, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Cinthol, Godrej Bambusa, Myntra, Script, Godrej Properties, and Goodknight Naturals.

    Other prominent brand partners include Godrej Veg Oils, Elior India, Slice of Pink, Godrej Professional, Godrej Protekt, Godrej Construction, Godrej Real Good Chicken, Houzz India and Godrej aer.

    MX Player CEO Karan Bedi said: "Godrej L’Affaire has been redefining lifestyle trends with every new edition, which makes it a great platform to interact with a range of premium audiences and brands. The theme for this year was 'Aarambh' – bringing together imagination, creativity, and innovation via bespoke experiences for its attendees. We are very happy to have been a part of this experience, and it was great to see the mix of ideas and concepts across various lifestyle categories."

    "The association with Godrej L’Affaire gives us the ideal platform to acknowledge and reward fashion-forward customers, while also setting new benchmarks in the industry on value creation and consumer engagement. For the second year of our association with Godrej L’Affaire, we invited over 50 Myntra Insiders to experience the best of fashion, travel, food, lifestyle and much more during this event,” added Myntra head of marketing Harish Narayanan on the partnership.

    Raymond Consumer Care director international brands Barun Mukherjee said: “Partnering with Godrej L’Affaire was a rewarding experience for us as the event reckons with everything lifestyle and luxury. We took the opportunity to launch Ginevra range of products and showcased the complete range of Tonino Lamborghini fragrances.”

    The media partners for the fourth season of Godrej L’Affaire were Sunday Mid-Day (Print Partner), Living Foodz (Lifestyle TV Partner), IWMbuzz.com (Digital Media Partner) and Radio One 94.3 (Radio Partner).  Wizcraft International managed the on-ground execution of this season.

  • CRED and Harley Davidson Curate Members-Only Experience at 8th India H.O.G. ® Rally

    CRED and Harley Davidson Curate Members-Only Experience at 8th India H.O.G. ® Rally

    MUMBAI: CRED, a members-only platform of highly trusted individuals, brands and institutions, has partnered with Harley Davidson to offer its members a unique experience of the iconic brand at the 8th India H.O.G. Rally. One lucky member will also win a Harley-Davidson® Street™ 750 10th Anniversary Limited Edition Bike. 

    The H.O.G. Rally is the largest annual congregation of Indian H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) charters. It will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Goa on the 14th and 15th of February, 2020. Members who refer friends will earn CRED gems that can be used to participate in a raffle for the Limited Edition Street 750 Harley Davidson. All CRED members at the Rally will also have access to the CRED Zone where they can get a hands on experience of the bike.

    The H.O.G Rally will include performances by bands and artistes such as Bollywood Singer Neha Bhasin, Anand Bhaskar Collective, Goan band Raagas 2 Riches, DJ Nasha, DJ Suketu and a stunt show by international riding champion Aras Gibieza. India’s greatest bike builders will compete for the best custom bike, followed by an awards and recognition ceremony for all HOG members at the rally. 

    Ishaan Sethi, from the Lifestyle team at CRED, said, “The Harley Owners Group community is tight-knit, aspirational and an enduring symbol of success, much like the CRED community. This partnership between the two communities offers a VIP experience for India’s most creditworthy individuals. We’re so excited to curate an opportunity for members to tick one more achievement off their bucket lists.”

  • More than 2000 Harley owners gear up to throttle to Goa for the 8th India H.O.G.® Rally

    More than 2000 Harley owners gear up to throttle to Goa for the 8th India H.O.G.® Rally

    MUMBAI: Harley-Davidson is set to kick off India’s largest parade, the India H.O.G. Rally, in Goa from February 14-15, 2020. The most anticipated date on the H.O.G. calendar, more than 2000 members of the Harley community from all 31 H.O.G. chapters across the length and breadth of the nation will convene at the annual gathering. The event that will be spread out over two full days in the sunny state city of beaches will be held at a new destination this year, Grand Hyatt Goa.

    The much-awaited ‘Custom Contest’ at the mega event will feature a stellar display of the country’s best Harley-Davidson custom motorcycles and the annual H.O.G. parade will be a visual treat for motorcycle enthusiasts in Goa on February 15. The coveted H.O.G. awards will be yet another important highlight for H.O.G. members.

    On the occasion of the 8th edition of the India H.O.G. Rally, Sajeev Rajasekharan, Managing Director, Harley-Davidson India, said, “When you purchase a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you automatically adopt the Harley lifestyle. The Harley Owners Group perfectly embodies our brand promise of living life the Harley way. We are thrilled to be kicking off the 8th India H.O.G. Rally in Goa this year and would like to take this opportunity to thank Goa Tourism Board for their immense support.” 

    India H.O.G. Rally will host special performances, live music concerts, tailormade experiences, immersive brand engagements and of course, lots of riding! While the day will witness on-ground activities from brands including Jeep, Havells, Cred, MRF, American Crew and GoPro, live performances by artistes such as Bollywood Singer Neha Bhasin, Anand Bhaskar Collective, Goan band Raagas 2 Riches, DJ Nasha, DJ Suketu and globally acclaimed stunt rider Arunas Aras Gibieza among other performers will set the tone for the evening.

    In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Harley-Davidson also reached out to brand lovers outside the H.O.G. community to provide them with a slice of the exciting Harley-Davidson lifestyle. The company launched a social media contest to select one winner to go for an all-expenses paid trip to the event. The contest witnessed high engagement across the brand’s social media handles.

    Founded by Harley-Davidson Motor Company in 1983, the Harley Owners Group was established to offer motorcycling benefits and services to Harley-Davidson enthusiasts throughout the world and to develop a close relationship between the rider, dealership and the company. A perfect example of community engagement, the Harley Owners Group organizes five marquee rallies annually, including one national and four zonal rides. In India, the H.O.G. community comprises of a 7500-strong member group.

    With its inception in 2009, Harley-Davidson became the first premium motorcycle brand to set base in the country. Over the last decade, the company has strongly sustained itself with a record sale of 25,000 motorcycles. Today, with 33 dealers, Harley-Davidson has the largest network in the Indian premium motorcycle category and rules the roost in the country’s 750+ cc market.

    Motorcycle enthusiasts who want to experience the Harley-Davidson lifestyle and be a part of the India H.O.G. Rally can get in touch with their nearest Harley-Davidson dealership to know more.

  • Sajeev Rajasekharan joins Harley Davidson India as MD

    Sajeev Rajasekharan joins Harley Davidson India as MD

    MUMBAI: Sajeev Rajasekharan, former EVP of Suzuki Motorcycle India, has joined Harley Davidson India as the managing director.

    In his new role, he will be driving Harley Davidson's recently announced plans to launch mid-size motorcycles in the 250-500 cc range in India.

    Rajasekharan joined Suzuki as executive vice president for sales and after-sales in July 2016.

    Rajasekharan has over two decades of experience in marketing, sales and operations having worked with Panasonic India as the deputy divisional managing director, Electrolux India and Samsung India.

    In July, Harley Davidson announced its plans to launch a mid-size motorcycle in the 250-500 cc range for emerging markets with a focus in India and to challenge Royal Enfield’s leadership position.