Benelli aims to sell 4,000 superbikes

Italian superbike brand Benelli is betting big on India's growing market for premium bikes as it plans to double the strength of its outlets and targets to sell 4,000 units in current fiscal.

Besides, the company also plans to expand its product portfolio by rolling out a 250 CC bike by December this year. "We are targeting to sell 4,000 superbikes in 2015-16," said DSK Motowheels, Chairman, Shirish Kulkarni here today after inaugurating its shop here.

Benelli is marketing its superbikes through DSK Motowheels in the country. According to Kulkarni, the market for superbikes in India is growing at a phenomenal pace of 50 per cent per annum. "We expect the market size for superbikes (price range starts from Rs 2.50 lakh a unit) will go up to 15,000 units in current fiscal as people in India like to have quality and premium product," he said.

Expanding its footprint, the Italian brand plans to open 14 more outlets across the country. "We will be opening 14 new outlets at places like Cochin, Goa, Surat, Vishakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gurgaon, Nagpur. By current fiscal end, we will have total 25 outlets," he informed.

The company currently has five models of superbikes for Indian market starting from Rs 2.99 lakh (300cc engine) till Rs 11.81 lakh (1130 cc).
"We have plans to launch 250 cc bike which will be 30 per cent cheaper than 300 cc model," he said. However, he said the company is also looking to launch a 1,400 cc bike in India which may take 2-3 years.

"Our main focus is to align DSK Benelli's presence across all strategic locations in order to generate strong brand eminence and Chandigarh in that respect, is one of those key markets. It is a very strong market.

"The dealership will not only act as a platform to sell motorcycles but also a place for DSK Benelli superbike enthusiasts to interact with other bikers and share their love for the Italian biking legend," Kulkarni said.In next phase, the company also plans to open dealerships in Ludhiana and Amritsar in Punjab, he said. DSK Motowheels is assembling here with its CKD plant in Maharashtra.

Source: ETAuto