Benelli has plans to launch products between the 135cc and 200cc segment that will take on the bikes like Bajaj Pulsar and TVS Apache in the Indian market in 2019. The segment is quite popular and is expanding too. All the major players in India including Hero, Suzuki, Honda, Bajaj and TVS have their products in the segment. It is not known yet which will be the first sub 200cc bike that will be launched by the manufacturer in India.
The manufacturer will also start assembling the motorcycles in India. Through the partnership with the Mahavir Group, Benelli will assemble the bikes at Hyderabad that will bring down the price of the bikes. Both the parties have also signed an agreement that says a manufacturing unit will be set-up in the Telangana state at a later time. However, it is not mentioned when exactly the plant will become operational. Manufacturing in India would further bring down the prices of the bikes. Benelli stopped selling the bikes in the Indian market after its former partner – DSK Motowheels – ran into financial trouble.
Both TVS Apache and Bajaj Pulsar have a stronghold in the segment. Benelli has always been known for its VFM products and if it recreates the same in the sub 200cc segment, we can expect a price war in the future.
