The Times of India has reported that British motorcycle company, Triumph Motorcycles will soon be making inroads into India. “We plan to get in a series of models from our line-up. We are here to formulate a strategy for getting into India and are confident to find a partner by the middle of this year.” said Nick Bloor, Triumph export manager whose family owns the Triumph brand.
Triumph Motorcycles is currently in talks with up to 8 potential partners in India including Bajaj and a lifestyle product firm. The government of India has recently relaxed regulations to facilitate the importation of bikes over 800cc, by accepting testing and approval by any certified agency from the EU. It is believed that previously all incoming imports may have had to undergo stringent testing at ARAI (Automotive Research Institute of India).
With duties of up to 110% and up, the 2.3-litre Triumph Rocket III could end up retailing at over Rs 18 Lakh in India, where recently Tata Motors launched the world’s cheapest automobile, the Tata Nano at little over Rs 1 Lakh (US$2,500).
“These products cater to a different and niche segment and we come here with an eye on the future. We feel it is an exciting market with fantastic growth potential,” added Bloor. In reference to the Triumph Bonneville and its derivatives, Bloor said, “Powered by air-cooled parallel twins, their performance, brakes and fuel injection are tuned to current times, even though they are classic.”
Capitalising on the Triumph brand name’s strength, Bloor revealed that Triumph Motorcycles would also be looking into launching its clothing and accessories line in India. This would increase awareness of the brand and also serve to give a good revenue stream to Triumph dealers.
Triumph Motorcycles, the iconic British motorcycle marque, is solely owned by Bloor Holdings Ltd. First established in 1902 and now located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, Triumph has always set the pace for category winning machines. From the iconic Bonneville to the class leading Daytona Triple supersports bike, Triumph offers a blend of design, character, sex appeal and performance that combines to create truly distinctive motorcycles.
The rebel choice of ‘60s stars such as Steve McQueen, James Dean and Bob Dylan, today Triumph continues to attract a diverse range of screen heroes, music idols and sports stars such as Tom Cruise, Nicholas Cage and Joseph Fiennes to name but a few.
