Tag: Harley Davidson

Hero MotoCorp is gearing up to challenge Royal Enfield and Bajaj Auto with the Mavrick

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Hero MotoCorp is poised to make its foray into the 400cc plus segment with the Mavrick motorcycle, set to be launched on 23rd January. The Mavrick will be based on the Harley Davidson X440 platform.

While the X440 is a motorcycle manufactured by Hero MotoCorp for Harley Davidson, the Mavrick will be a Hero-badged motorcycle that the company can sell across India and even export to key markets. Hero MotoCorp aims to commence dispatches by the end of February.

The Mavrick 440cc will be launched at Hero MotoCorp’s Centre for Innovation Technology in Jaipur. However, that’s not all. The company is set to unveil a medium to long-term roadmap at the event, according to a source.

While Mavrick will be the major launch, the company will also showcase a range of two-wheelers across ICE, flex fuel, and electric technologies. The company will present production-ready vehicles across segments, including a 125cc motorcycle. Some of these vehicles will be launched later in FY25.

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The 400cc segment is considered a sweet spot in the two-wheeler segment, with Royal Enfield holding almost 90% market share. Bajaj Auto has the KTM 390, Bajaj Dominar 400cc, and two Triumph motorcycles in the 400cc plus segment. Bajaj Auto sold 18,000 Triumph motorcycles in Q3 FY24 and can ramp up production to 10,000 per month.

In December 2023, Hero MotoCorp, a leading player in the entry-level segment, sold 460,000 two-wheelers.

Despite being the market leader with a 32% share, Hero continues to face stiff competition from Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), which holds a 24% market share.  Growing the footprint in premium motorcycles and exports is critical for Hero MotoCorp to continue maintaining its market share.

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Hero MotoCorp sells 1,000 Harley Davidson X440 bikes in just 24 hours

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Hero MotoCorp has delivered 1,000 Harley Davidson bikes in a mere 24 hours, the CEO of India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer said on Monday, October 16, while adding that the company has opened bookings for the premium bike again.

“Our bookings are recommencing today (Monday, October 16) so that’s one thing. A lot of customers have been asking prospective customers, yesterday was the first day. It was exciting. Yesterday, we started around noon time and today by afternoon or whatever it is, we would have clocked probably around 1000 plus deliveries now, which is almost like delivering 1000 in a day, which is very exciting,” Gupta told CNBC-TV18.

The Harley-Davidson X440, a joint venture between Harley and Hero, is currently being produced at Hero MotoCorp’s Garden Factory in Neemrana, Rajasthan.

“Since its unveiling in July 2023, the Harley-Davidson X440 has captivated the premium segment customers across India, thereby clocking more than 25,000 bookings within just a month of its showcase,” the company said in an exchange filing.

Hero is also ramping up production to deliver on 25,000 bookings for the Harley Davidson X440, deliveries for which began on Sunday, October 15, the first day of Navratri, regarded as the onset of the festive season.

“We were delighted to see the smiles and cheer from our customers, as we started deliveries on the first day of the festive season. It will be our endeavour to complete all deliveries over the next 4-5 months. Our supply chain is already in the process of ramping up the capacity, as we would like to serve every single customer in India who wants to own a Harley Davidson and reduce the waiting period moving forward,” Gupta said in a statement.

The most affordable Harley-Davidson bike to come to India ever since the Street 750, X440 comes in three variants—Denim, Vivid, and S—for Rs 2,39,500 lakh ex-showroom, Rs 2,59,500 lakh ex-showroom and Rs 2,79,500 lakh ex-showroom, respectively. The X440 goes up against the recently launched Triumph Speed 400 and the upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 450.

Hero has made no bones about its aim to capture the premium segment with Gupta saying in early July, “We will do whatever we can to win in the premium segment.”

Hero is expecting double-digit growth this festive season with sales of over 13 lakh bikes this festive season. The company had sold 12 lakh units during the festive season last year. This year, Hero has already seen a 30% increase in bookings and a 20% increase in inquiries so far.

“Our priority right now is to ensure a good festive season. We still feel there is a lot of room for growth in the core entry-level segment and therefore we are trying to expand the core portfolio with festive offers and low EMI schemes,” Gupta said.

Hero is also banking on deliveries of the Harley Davidson X440 and the new Karizma to drive sales. The brand will also be launching a Hero MotoCorp bike based on the X440 platform in Q4 of this fiscal year.

New customers can now test-ride the Harley-Davidson X440 and also book the vehicle at all Harley-Davidson dealerships and select Hero MotoCorp outlets across the country. Customers can also book the motorcycle online by visiting www.HarleyDavidsonx440.com.

CNBC-TV18 had earlier reported that Hero MotoCorp will sell Harley Davidson’s X440 at 300 outlets. This would be the first time that Harley Davidson motorcycles would be sold in another motorcycle company’s dealership.

Hero MotoCorp share price was trading at Rs 3,182.80 apiece on BSE, up 0.72% at 12.46 pm. Hero Moto stock price has jumped more than 17% so far this year.

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Hero and Harley’s X440 to commence deliveries from October 15, clocks over 25,000 bookings in a month

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Homegrown motorcycles and scooters manufacturer Hero MotoCorp, on Tuesday, announced the commencement of deliveries for its first co-developed premium motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson X440, starting from October 15, 2023, the first day of the Navratri festival. The Harley-Davidson X440, a joint venture between Harley and Hero, is currently being produced at Hero MotoCorp’s Garden Factory in Neemrana, Rajasthan. Test rides have been available for pre-booked customers since September 1, 2023.

Hero, in a company statement, said that the new booking window will open on October 16 and customers can book the new Harley-Davidson X440 at all Harley-Davidson dealerships and select Hero MotoCorp outlets across India. Online bookings can also be made at www.Harley-Davidsonx440.com.

Niranjan Gupta, CEO of Hero MotoCorp, expressed his excitement about the Harley-Davidson X440. He stated that while production is in full swing at their Neemrana facility, a large number of pre-booked customers have taken the opportunity to test-ride the motorcycle. He added that they are all set to add festive cheer by commencing deliveries of the Harley Davidson X440 to customers from the first day of Navratri.

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The company also claims that since the new bike’s unveiling in July 2023, the Harley-Davidson X440 has attracted premium segment customers across India, with over 25,000 bookings within just a month of its showcase. Due to this overwhelming response, Hero MotoCorp had to temporarily close the online booking window to cater to the first set of customers.

The X440 is Harley’s brand-new small-capacity bike. It features all-LED lighting and neo-retro styling with cues taken from the Harley-Davidson XR1200. It also includes a minimalist monopod TFT with Bluetooth connectivity facilitating turn-by-turn navigation and music control. The bike is powered by a 440cc, 2-valve, air-cooled engine with an oil cooler that produces 27.4PS at 6,000rpm & 38Nm at 4,000rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed transmission along with an assist and slipper clutch.

The bike is suspended on a 43mm inverted fork and gas-charged, preload-adjustable twin shocks. It has 18-inch front and 17-inch rear MRF Zapper Hyke tyres. ByBre disc brakes are present at both ends with dual-channel ABS. With the flat handlebar, the ergos look upright and comfortable enough for touring.

The motorcycle is available in three variants – Denim, Vivid and S – priced at Rs 2.39 lakh for the Denim trim, Rs 2.59 lakh for the Vivid variant and Rs 2.79 for the S trim, respectively. The X440 competes with the recently launched Triumph Speed 400 and the upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 450.

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Harley Davidson X440 and Triumph Speed 400, which one would you choose?

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In the first week of July, bike enthusiasts were treated to exciting releases from top manufacturers. Harley Davidson, in collaboration with Hero MotoCorp, launched the X440 in India, which is their most affordable offering yet. With a starting price of Rs 2,29,000, the bike comes equipped with features like LED lighting, disc brakes, and dual-channel ABS.

The X440 boasts a 440cc single-cylinder, air-oil cooled engine that delivers a maximum power of 27PS at 6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 38Nm at 4,000rpm.

Meanwhile, Bajaj Auto teamed up with Triumph Motorcycles to introduce two new 400cc bikes, namely the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X. The Speed 400 is priced at Rs 2.33 lakh, but early buyers can avail of a special price of Rs 2.23 lakh for the first 10,000 units. The pricing for the Scrambler 400 is yet to be announced.

The Speed 400 is powered by a 398cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, which generates a maximum power of 40PS and a maximum torque of 37.5Nm.

In a report by Overdrive, Christopher Chaves and Rohit Paradkar provide their initial impressions of these new bikes. Additionally, Overdrive offers a first look at the Maruti Suzuki Invicto and the 2023 edition of the Kia Seltos.

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Watch video for more.

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If Royal Enfield is where the money is, then we have no choice but to rob the bank, says Rajiv Bajaj

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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With the launch of the Triumph 400cc motorcycles, Bajaj Auto is getting into a segment where Royal Enfield has a 90 percent market share. When asked why Hero and Bajaj were all competing for a segment dominated by Royal Enfield, Rajiv Bajaj cited the example of William Sutton, the famous American robber who robbed banks of two million dollars over forty years.

“There was a famous bank robber in America called William Francis Sutton. When asked why do you rob a bank he said that’s where the money is. So if Royal Enfield is where the money is then we have no choice but to rob that bank”, he said.

Bajaj also said that Honda has shown that it is the customer that shapes the market and if the consumer sees value in the 350cc plus segment then Bajaj Auto is going to make the most of this opportunity.

The 350cc segment is growing at a 9-10 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and Royal Enfield has been largely unchallenged in this segment. With the pricing announced by Bajaj-Triumph at 2.3 lakhs and Harley-Hero at 2.29 lakhs, both products are likely to eat into Royal Enfield’s share.

The Himalayan 411cc starts at Rs 2.15 lakhs and the Royal Enfield Scrambler  costs Rs 2.06 lakhs ex showroom.

Rajiv Bajaj said that Bajaj Auto has a 50 percent profit share in the motorcycle market, and outside this profit pool are Hero Splendour and Royal Enfield. “With Triumph’s Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X we are getting a license to get into a segment where Royal Enfield had traditionally done very well in”, he said.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Competitive pricing of Harley Davidson X440 to help Hero Motocorp gain market share in 250cc+ segment, say analysts

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Leading two-wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp has said it has started bookings for the Harley-Davidson X440 motorcycle across the country and with its launch, analysts say, competition will get intense in the market, especially in the 250cc plus two-wheeler segment.

Post the current booking,  deliveries for X440 are expected to commence from October onwards, the company said.

After bookings opened on July 4, Hero MotoCorp shares traded more than two percent higher at Rs 3101.30 on BSE at noon on July 5.

Harley-Davidson X440 motorcycle, developed in collaboration with Hero Motocorp, is available in three variants – Denim, Vivid and S at an introductory price point of Rs 2.29 lakh, Rs 2.49 lakh and Rs 2.69 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively.

Brokerage firm Jefferies says X440 provides an attractive proposition for customers while CLSA is of the view that the price point of the motorcycle should help Hero reach nine percent market share in the 250cc+ segment in the 2024-25 fiscal.

Jefferies points out that this Harley bike brand at a price just 20 percent higher than Royal Enfield Classic 350. X440 peak torque and power are 35-40 percent higher than RE’s top-selling Classic 350cc.

CLSA, meanwhile, highlighted that though Hero is losing share in its core segments, it has multiple new premium launches lined up to capture market share. He noted that competitive intensity is increasing in the two-wheeler segment as well.

However, Jefferies and CLSA have varying takes when it comes to Hero Motocorp’s shares. The former has a ‘buy’ call and has raised target price to Rs 3,500 per share, implying a 15 percent upside from Tuesday’s closing price. CLSA, on the other hand, has given the auto stock a sell rating with a target price of Rs 2,708 per share, 10.5 lower than last closing price.

The new 440-cc bike, which is being manufactured by Hero MotoCorp at its Neemrana plant, can be booked online with a booking amount of Rs 5,000. Customers can also reserve the bike at all Harley-Davidson dealerships and select Hero MotoCorp outlets across the country.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Hero MotoCorp to sell Harley Davidson’s lowest-priced motorcycle ‘X440’ at 300 outlets

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The X440 will be Harley Davidson’s lowest-priced motorcycle in India and is likely to be sold across 300 Hero MotoCorp outlets. “Hero MotoCorp has identified 300 dealerships, where the Harley Davidson X440 will be sold in addition to Harley’s own 25 outlets”, said a source requesting anonymity.

This would be the first time that Harley Davidson motorcycles would be sold in another motorcycle company’s dealership. Harley Davidson has only 25 exclusive stores in the country and the sale of the X440 across Hero MotoCorp’s dealer network would give the company a massive reach and footprint. “Harley Davidson would not have got scale if it had just sold the X440 in its exclusive outlets”, said an industry source.

Hero MotoCorp is in the process of upgrading select dealerships in the country for selling its premium range of motorcycles. In the weeks to come the X440 will be sold alongside Hero’s premium motorcycles like the Xtreme, the Xpulse, Vida electric scooters and the upcoming Karizma, said a source.

Also Read: Harley hopes to cross India’s tariff hurdles by launching the X440 with Hero MotoCorp

The companies have priced the X440 aggressively at 2.29 lakhs ex-showroom and the booking amount has also been kept at Rs 5000 to attract high customer volumes. Considering the competition in the 350cc segment, the deliveries of the X440 are likely to begin soon.

Hero MotoCorp and Harley Davidson are exploring opportunities to export the X440 and the success of the bike in India will be a deciding factor.

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Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp launch the X440 in India; check price, features

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp have launched the X440 in India, the smallest and most affordable Harley-Davidson bike to come to India ever since the Street 750. At Rs 2.29 lakh (ex-showroom), the X440 goes up against the recently-launched Triumph Speed 400 and the upcoming Royal Enfield Hunter 450.

The bike has been jointly designed and developed by Harley and Hero, and bookings open on July 4, 2023,  with deliveries beginning soon. Booking cost is Rs 5,000.

Niranjan Gupta, CEO of Hero MotoCorp, said: “We will do whatever we can to win in the premium segment.” Pawan Munjal added that the X440 will bring the authentic Harley Davidson riding experience to Indian customers and that he is very proud of the team which designed the X440. The X440 launch is the start of a new era for Hero MotoCorp and Harley Davidson and is a core part of Harley Davidson’s hardwire strategy.

Also Read: Harley hopes to cross India’s tariff hurdles by launching the X440 with Hero MotoCorp

There are three trims of the X440 on sale: Classic, Vivid and Pinnacle. The Classic trim comes with spoke wheels, single-tone colours and blacked-out engine fins, and is priced at Rs 2.29 lakh. The Vivid trim comes with alloy wheels, and dual-tone colours, and is priced at Rs 2.49 lakh. The Pinnacle trim comes with alloys, more premium colour schemes, and machined engine fins, and is priced at Rs 2.69 lakh.

The X440 is Harley’s brand new small-capacity bike so here’s a quick lowdown on what it packs: All-LED lighting, Neo-retro styling with cues taken from the Harley-Davidson XR1200, minimalist monopod TFT with Bluetooth connectivity facilitating turn-by-turn navigation, music control and a lot more. It has a 440cc, 2-valve, air-cooled engine with an oil cooler that produces 27.4PS at 6,000rpm & 38Nm at 4,000rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed transmission along with an assist and slipper clutch. For perspective, the QJ Motor SRC500 makes 25.8PS and 36Nm.

The bike is suspended on a 43mm inverted fork and gas-charged, preload-adjustable twin shocks. It has 18-inch front and 17-inch rear MRF Zapper Hyke tyres. ByBre disc brakes are present at both ends with dual-channel ABS. With the flat handlebar, the ergos look upright and comfortable enough to tour on.

The launch of this bike marks a new era for both Hero MotoCorp and Harley Davidson as they strive to win in the premium segment of motorcycles in India. The X440 is very important for HeroMotoCorp’s premiumisation journey as it has never been present in the 440 segment before. Hero MotoCorp will launch the X440 platform under its brand name as well. Since the X440 is manufactured by Hero MotoCorp for India it will not face tariffs.

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Harley hopes to cross India’s tariff hurdles by launching the X440 with Hero MotoCorp

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, Harley Davidson decided to end manufacturing operations in India but decided to ride along with Hero MotoCorp for sale and distribution of Harley Davidson motorcycles in the country. Low sales and high import tariffs in India had been bothering the American motorcycle giant.

More than three years on Harley Davidson and Hero MotoCorp have together launched the X440, a motorcycle which the Harley CEO hopes will help overcome India’s high tariffs on automobiles.

Former US President Donald Trump had said in 2019 that 50 percent tariffs on Harley Davidson motorcycles in India were unacceptable. Harley Davidson continues to import fully built motorcycles in India and has no local manufacturing operations.

The X440 will be the first Harley motorcycle to attract no tariffs as the product has been jointly designed and developed, and most importantly will be manufactured by Hero MotoCorp in India.

“I am not a big fan of tariffs, this is one of the starting problems I had. Working in a global environment tariffs are never really welcome. For the India tariff market, we have a great partner and tariffs are not a problem with X440”, said Joachin Zeitz, Harley Davidson CEO to CNBC-TV18.

Reflecting on the company’s plans to end manufacturing in India the Harley CEO said the company never really exited India but transitioned to a new business model with a partner that was an expert in India.

“We had to be in India and we were clear that we will not leave the market but come back with a much stronger partnership and product which we could not have developed or manufactured on our own”, he said.

The launch of the X440 is a big moment for Hero MotoCorp Chairman Pawan Munjal as well. Munjal told CNBC-TV18 that the X440 was an extremely important product for Hero and he was very confident about the success of the product.

“Harley Davidson X440 will be right on top of our premiumisation strategy. Whatever Harley has done for customer delight globally will only get multiplied here through the co created, co developed product for Harley Davidson in India for India”, said Munjal.

Hero MotoCorp’s launch comes just ahead of Bajaj Auto and Triumph’s 400cc motorcycle launch in India. Royal Enfield already has the Himalayan 411cc in the market priced at 2.3 lakhs ex-showroom.

When asked why are Harley and Hero entering the 400cc segment Pawan Munjal said, “No fun in playing by yourself, competition in the 400cc segment will bring out the best in the market. Hero MotoCorp has a lot of premium launches lined up over next few years to help the company grab its rightful share in premium segment.” Munjal confirmed that Hero will soon launch the X440 platform under the Hero MotoCorp brand name in FY24.

Both Hero and Harley are looking at further collaboration and possible exports of the X440. There is clearly a lot riding on this product for both companies. “It’s a very important product, plays in the premium segment, part of our long term strategy to selectively expand in areas we have not traditionally been in”, said Joachin Zeitz.

Also read | Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp launch the X440 in India; check price, features

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Harley-Davidson X440 India launch today: A look at likely price and specifications

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Harley-Davidson is all set to launch its made-in-India X440 motorcycle, which the US-based manufacturer has co-developed with Hero MotoCorp, on July 3.

The launch event of Harley’s most affordable bike begins at 7:20 pm and will be live-streamed on Harley-Davidson India’s official YouTube channel.

According to reports, the new X440 is likely to be priced at around Rs 2.50 lakh (ex-showroom). However, CNBC-TV18 could not independently verify this price. Bookings for this motorcycle have already opened up.

Inspired by Harley-Davidson’s XR design ethos, the X440 is a roadster that sports a flat, wide handlebar with a commuter-friendly riding stance.

Harley-Davidson X440 will have an air/oil cooled single-cylinder 440cc engine and MRF tyres sporting a retro tread pattern. As per reports, it also has single-disc brakes on the front and the rear wheel and provides dual-channel ABS as standard.

The X440 features a round headlight with integrated Harley-Davidson branding, a single-pod instrument cluster and a flat handlebar. It has machined alloy wheels, and retro-style round indicators.

A Moneycontrol report says the front wheel of X440 will have a diameter of 18 inch while the rear wheel would be 17 inch. It is expected to have machined alloy wheels with new MRF Zapper Hyke tyres.

The bike’s body will have a tubular frame with preload-adjustable twin shock absorbers.

Meanwhile, last month, the new Hero MotoCorp CEO Niranjan Gupta had said that his firm and Harley Davidson could consider the local assembly of Harley motorcycles in India and even exporting them to global markets. He said both companies continue to talk about future platforms and collaborations.

Hero MotoCorp and Harley Davidson joined hands in 2020 after the American motorcycle giant decided to exit the Indian market. Hero MotoCorp became the exclusive distributor of Harley bikes in India and a plan to jointly developed motorcycles was also agreed upon.

(With inputs from media reports)

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow