Harley-Davidson and Hero could join forces
Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycle giant Hero Motor Corp could begin building bikes together
THE CEO of Hero Moto Corp has alluded to a potential tie-up with Harley-Davidson as the Milwaukee firm looks to build a range of smaller capacity machines for sale in Asian markets.
Speaking to the Times of India, Hero CEO, Pawan Munjal, said “If they want to (enter into a partnership), then why not? Sure, I’m open to the right kind of match, the sooner it happens, it’s good for everyone.”
It’s also reported that the two firms have sat around a table to discuss the prospect of a collaboration, which would see Hero build small capacity, H-D branded bikes for sale in the lucrative Asian markets.
Refusing to confirm if the meeting had already taken place, Munjal did confirm that the modern age of vehicle manufacturing is “the era of partnerships”, pointing to recent collaborations with the historic brands from Europe, KTM, BMW and Triumph for instance, and the emerging industrial continent of Asia.
In 2018 Harley-Davidson has announced a series of new models including an all-new 250-500 cc motorcycle targeted specifically at India and other emerging Asian markets, which will be launched by 2022. And there were reports about the company looking to partner with a local player, possibly Hero. Now it seems that those rumours have turned out to be true.
Indian companies already have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to building small capacity motorcycles and scooters, but aside from Royal Enfield, home-built bikes of 500cc or more are thin on the ground. It’s sensible to assume that while Hero helps Harley-Davidson with the creation of these small capacity machines, they will be sure to learn all they can about building larger capacity bikes for their own ranges in the future.
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
