[The Great]

NDTV says - Kawasaki Denies Local Engine Assembly Rumours

[dZired]

According to some reports, India Kawasaki Motors (IKM) is planning to set up a motorcycle assembly plant in Chakan, Pune. The Japanese bike maker is said to be in the process of scaling up its Indian operations which includes the expansion of its teams and retail network.

This development comes after Kawasaki broke its 8-year old alliance with Bajaj Auto on April 1, 2017. Under the said alliance, Bajaj was responsible for all retail and aftersales operations of Kawasaki bikes in India. However, with KTM's entry into the Indian market, Bajaj shifted focus to its sister concern Austrian brand. This was considered to be the primary reason behind Bajaj and Kawasaki mutually calling off their alliance.

Hence, Kawasaki now wants full control on its Indian operations and is reportedly ready to make some investments to achieve the same. Sources suggest that the company is currently setting up teams for all core responsibilities within the organization.

Kawasaki hasn't yet confirmed the aforementioned rumours. However, the company's managing director - Yutaka Yamashita, has indicated that an official announcement might be made sometime in the future.

Source: Autocar Professional

[Zinda]

This is indeed a good news. It will bring in new models for prospect Kawasaki buyers (including me) and better service / reliability for existing owner. Just that I hope Kawasaki does not take years to implement this, like they usually do in bringing in new models (Vulkan is yet to come)!

[Vinodh_Gowda]

Originally Posted by dZired

According to some reports, India Kawasaki Motors (IKM) is planning to set up a motorcycle assembly plant in Chakan, Pune. The Japanese bike maker is said to be in the process of scaling up its Indian operations which includes the expansion of its teams and retail network.

Drivespark.com has an article wherein Kawasaki India has refuted any such move.

Source: Kawasaki's Update On Local Assembly Of Engines

[Nithesh_M]

This is just about as likely as the ZX6R launch news that was said to be "confirmed" last year. Never happened. Ofcourse Kawa will have to setup its own assembly plant now post Bajaj split, but that means they have to put more money into it.

Also most of their products are locally assembled from CKD kits. I don't see how setting up a new assembly plant is going to reduce the price. Assembly plants are not manufacturing plants. If they manufacture locally they will reduce price by some degree. If they assemble locally the price will more or less remain as it is if not creep a bit more in order to sustain their additional employees that will be needed to look after the sales, service, logistics, support teams now that Bajaj has washed its hands off.

[Amey Kulkarni]

Originally Posted by Nithesh_M

If they assemble locally the price will more or less remain as it is if not creep a bit more in order to sustain their additional employees that will be needed to look after the sales, service, logistics, support teams now that Bajaj has washed its hands off.

Kawasaki after the split have anyhow started charging prices more than KTM service charges, further, I don't think there will be any change due to an independent plant set-up and their indirect expenses.

Being a Kawasaki owner, the more fascinating thing that I am looking at is a closer association with the brand now in terms of availability of spares, consumables, accessories (if they decide to introduce), better and faster handling of warranty issues if any persists. Lead-time of procurement will also certainly go down which will be a major relief for Kawasaki owners.

Cheers,
Amey