In a huge jolt to the Indian market, American cult bike manufacturer Harley Davidson said it is discontinuing sales and manufacturing operations in India. The US-based high end bike maker is all to exit the Indian market after a decade after it started selling its premium bikes in the country.
Industry sources said the company is looking to tie up with a partner to run its business in the country.
The India action will include an associated workforce reduction of approximately 70 employees, Harley-Davidson Inc.
The development is part of the company’s global “2020 Restructuring Activities”. In the second quarter of 2020, Harley-Davidson had initiated restructuring activities like workforce reduction and the termination of certain contracts that would result in the elimination of approximately 700 positions globally, including the termination of approximately 500 employees.
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In a separate statement, Harley-Davidson said it plans to close its manufacturing facility in Bawal (Haryana) and significantly reduce the size of its sales office in Gurgaon.
The company’s dealer network will continue to serve customers through the contract term, Harley Davidson said, adding it is communicating with its customers in India and will keep them updated on future support.
Harley Davidson’s portfolio in India includes bikes like Street 750 and Iron 883, among others with prices starting from Rs 4.69 lakh and going up over Rs 18 lakh.