Friday, May 9, 2008

Super-bikes maker Ducati enters Indian market


Bets on the costlier bikes: (From right) Mr Gabriele Del Torchio, CEO, Ducati; Mr Cristiano Silei, Director, Commercial; and Mr Ashish Chordia, CEO, Precision Motor India Private Ltd, at a press conference to announce Ducati’s foray into the Indian market in the Capital on Wednesday.

Acknowledging India’s burgeoning economy, Italian super-bikes maker Ducati Motor Holding announced its entry into the Indian market with its high-end motorcycles priced in the range of Rs 15-50 lakh.

“India is no longer an emerging country. It is a reality worldwide. We feel it is the right time to enter the Indian market,” the company’s CEO, Mr Gabriele Del Torchio, said at the launch.

The company plans to sell 50 units in the first year through its dealerships in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.

Partnership

Ducati is entering the Indian market through partnership with Precision Motor India Pvt Ltd, which would import its bikes. Mr Torchio also indicated sourcing of engine components from India.

“We have already been sourcing engine parts and other components since the last four years. Our purchasing team would be visiting India shortly after which we are looking to increasing the volume of our components imported from the local market here.”

The company sources components worth €250 million globally, out of which currently components for less than €5 million is being sourced out of India. Commenting on India’s technological competence to produce such high-powered bikes and if the company would consider manufacturing here, Mr Cristiano Silei, Director Commercial, said, “We feel India has the technology. And in the future, it could be a possibility.”

On the segment in which the company expects to generate higher sales in the first year, he said, “In the first year, we expect the most expensive bikes to be sold more because there are always these racing enthusiasts who want to buy when the bikes are launched.”

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/05/08/stories/2008050851440200.htm

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