Exclusive: BMW Motorrad sets up India unit

BMW Motorrad, the leading global superbike manufacturer and an arm of the BMW Group, has recently incorporated a legal entity in India to set up operations in the country.

Shivpada Ray, who was previously the chief operating officer at DSK Motowheels, has joined BMW Motorrad (BMW India) as its head of business operations and is its first employee. Ray is known for his role in setting up the dealership network for Korea’s Hyosung brand and Italy’s Benelli brand for DSK Motowheels in India. Now having taking charge of BMW Motorrad in India, he will look into setting up a team, a distribution network and will work on developing strategy of legally bringing BMW motorcycles into India.

It is interesting to know that 2016 will see the G 310R – the collaborative effort from BMW Motorrad and TVS Motor Co – will be launched in India later this year, rolling out of TVS’ modern Hosur plant.

Another confirmation of BMW Motorrad entering India on its own came from Philipp von Sahr, president, BMW Group India. While launching the all-new BMW 7-Series sedan and the X1 SUV today at the Auto Expo, Sahr said: “We  have good news for bike enthusiasts. We will be bringing BMW motorcycles to India towards the end of this year.”

Clearly, BMW Motorrad is eager to take a slice of the booming superbike market in India which includes companies like Harley-Davidson, Triumph Motorcycles, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki and Ducati among others. In the nine-month April-December 2015 period, Harley-Davidson India sold 3,297 units, India Kawsaki Motors retailed 916 units and Triumph Motorcycles India sold 864 units.