Harley Davidson is not forming a strategic partnership with Hero MotoCorp

According to a report Harley Davidson is not forming a strategic partnership with Hero MotoCorp for the Asian markets, including India.

Yesterday, Harley Davidson announced its massive strategy update which includes two new modular platforms, four new engines (500 cc to 1250 cc), up to 21 new models by 2022 and a new premium entry-level small-displacement motorcycle (250 cc to 500 cc) for the Indian and Asian markets built and retailed in an alliance with a regional player. The small-displacement bike will sit below the Harley Davidson Street 750.

The report further states that, with Hero MotoCorp out of the fray, the only possible ‘strategic partnership’ could be with Mahindra Two-wheelers as Bajaj Auto already has a tie-up with Triumph and KTM, while TVS Motor Company has a long-term agreement with BMW Motorrad. That said, Mahindra is working on bringing back the Jawa brand and the two-wheeler division is still figuring its way in the Indian market. The second possibility is that the strategic partner in Asia wouldn’t be an Indian company.

The new 250-500 cc motorcycle from Harley Davidson will compete with the Royal Enfield Classic 350/500, the upcoming Triumph 500 cc (speculated) motorcycle, the new Jawa bike, and the Kawasaki Estrella 250 in the Asian markets. Harley Davidson hasn’t revealed the launch timeframe for the new small-displacement motorcycle.

Separately, the company has revealed that it will launch three new motorcycles in 2020, which includes the Harley Davidson Pan America 1250 (its first adventure tourer), the Harley Davidson Streetfighter 975 and the Custom 1250. Ahead of that, the company will launch the Harley Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle in the US and European markets in August 2019, while more electric bikes will follow by 2022

The company will include products like a scrambler, flat tracker, and fully-faired Supersport bikes in its portfolio by 2022. It will continue to develop technologically-advanced and improved touring and cruiser motorcycles in the global markets to keep the existing customers engaged. Furthermore, there will be a focus on expanding the retail footprint across the world, while also forming strategic tie-ups with global e-commerce firms.