[Shubz]

Originally Posted by Bomi

Well, Autocar India has reported a Diwali launch through assembly in Manesar, Haryana; before the factory near Bangalore goes into production. Wonder which of these stories is correct.
http://www.autocarindia.com/News/350...ng-soon.aspx/0

AFAIK -- the Bangalore plant is only a myth so far. Reality is a few light years today :-)

[djay99]

Originally Posted by ebonho

From my perspective puresly personally, two negatives:

Now they have shifted the goalpost yet again to the end of 2013. I would not bet any of my own money that this is the final shift either.

They are still a long way away, if at all, of putting up an Indian facility, and so the bikes will essentially be launched as efforts to test the waters, with limited period pricing, and wholly dependent on the Thailand facility and the vagaries of dollar-rupee fluctuations in the near future to follow.

The second point obviously is way more worrying. It clearly read-between-the-lines states that Triumph is no longer sure of their foray into India. At least that is the way I read it, don't know about the rest of you.

And if that happens, regardless of the attractive initial pricing (still conjecture of course), the initial lot buyers might well be in for a Funduro 650 or Ducati experience redux, in terms of future support and spares, in case Triumph up and decides that things are not going to work out.

October 2013 launch is almost confirmed.
Triumph initially planned to assembe bikes in Narsapura, Bangalore plant but later on changed because of delay in approvals and land allocation from government of karnataka. Their bangalore plant is set to be ready by 2015.

I believe they are coming here to stay long and Triumph India will be a fully owned subsidiary of Triumph UK and not a franchisee or distributor led business like Ducati.

I don't think Overdrive has stated clearly w.r.t Triumph's foray. I am not a triumph spokesperson but i know from my reliable sources that they are not coming here for some testing.
They have a good future plan which is quite realistic. Also i don't think that they are importing from thailand. Dollar-Rupee value will not impact them as its the pound which has appreciated 10% since 2012 Auto expo.
If triumph wants to sell in decent numbers, they will have to price their products competitevely - near the guide line prices.

Originally Posted by Bomi

Well, Autocar India has reported a Diwali launch through assembly in Manesar, Haryana; before the factory near Bangalore goes into production. Wonder which of these stories is correct.
http://www.autocarindia.com/News/350...ng-soon.aspx/0

October launch is like a confirmed news. Bangalore plant will not be ready until 2015.

[ebonho]

djay, I appreciate the enthusiasm bro. I love Triumph too and who knows, inshalla, a day may come when I might be riding a Street Triple on our roads too, doing some really obscene speeds, terrorizing the Duke puppies around. But bro, I belong to a manufacturing setup myself (albeit a different industry). I know how long it takes for new plants to be commisioned, validated, all regulatory hoops jumped through, etc. If Triumph has taken 3 years and are no closer (from what we hear) to having an operational plant than what they were, then I do honestly believe that the project is still not a sure shot and while the lucky(?) few might well get their bikes at great prices, as Triumph strives to limit their losses credibility-wise, the fact remains that they may still very well somewhere down the line bow to pressures beyond their control and exit. Bigger brands than Triumph have found India a hard nut to crack - especially when going it alone. Think of how long it took Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki to come to India on their own. Kawasaki is still not there. And each of them can gobble up multiple Triumphs in terms of global size and market cap and muscle.

[Haroon]

For those of you who feel the Triumph factory in Karnataka is still a long way from reality, the below article in TOI today also echoes a similar sentiment:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/c...w/21288783.cms


So lets hope something positive comes out of their proposed Manesar plans atleast

[aargee]

Video dedicated to all Triumph fans & I'm sure it will baptize even the non Triumph fans, especially the scene from 2:37

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNhiKLce4Sg

[Shubz]

Originally Posted by ebonho

djay, I appreciate the enthusiasm bro. I love Triumph too and who knows, inshalla, a day may come when I might be riding a Street Triple on our roads too, doing some really obscene speeds, terrorizing the Duke puppies around. But bro, I belong to a manufacturing setup myself (albeit a different industry). I know how long it takes for new plants to be commisioned, validated, all regulatory hoops jumped through, etc. If Triumph has taken 3 years and are no closer (from what we hear) to having an operational plant than what they were, then I do honestly believe that the project is still not a sure shot and while the lucky(?) few might well get their bikes at great prices, as Triumph strives to limit their losses credibility-wise, the fact remains that they may still very well somewhere down the line bow to pressures beyond their control and exit. Bigger brands than Triumph have found India a hard nut to crack - especially when going it alone. Think of how long it took Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki to come to India on their own. Kawasaki is still not there. And each of them can gobble up multiple Triumphs in terms of global size and market cap and muscle.

I have mixed reactions to this doc. The Yam's and the Suzuki's and the Honda's and Kawa's are still not here on their own. India is indeed a hard nut to crack. BUT...... HD's have made it, on their own.

That keeps the hope in people like djay and me alive that October could be a realistic (hope against hope) timeframe where dream could turn into reality.

(Triumph guys - you watching this?) ; - )

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by Shubz

I have mixed reactions to this doc. The Yam's and the Suzuki's and the Honda's and Kawa's are still not here on their own. India is indeed a hard nut to crack. BUT...... HD's have made it, on their own.

That keeps the hope in people like djay and me alive that October could be a realistic (hope against hope) timeframe where dream could turn into reality.

(Triumph guys - you watching this?) ; - )

Bro, I am confused. Aren't Yamaha, Suzuki, and Honda here on their own without their erstwhile Indian partners in tow anymore (Escorts, TVS, and Hero respectively)?

Harley Davidson I do not think is manufacturing the bikes in India. Are they (admittedly, don't know much on this)? I thought it was a one-time trade exchange between India and the US.

From what I know, they import CKD kits from the US and assemble them at their facility in Gurgaon. What Triumph is proposing is a a full fledged manufacturing setup. There is a huge difference. To put things in perspective, without naming names, before the clamp down on grey market SBK's, there were a ton of garages across the country importing CKDs and assembling them here. That is the level of expertise, infrastructure, equipment, and capital required.

[Shubz]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Bro, I am confused. Aren't Yamaha, Suzuki, and Honda here on their own without their erstwhile Indian partners in tow anymore (Escorts, TVS, and Hero respectively)?

Harley Davidson I do not think is manufacturing the bikes in India. Are they (admittedly, don't know much on this)? I thought it was a one-time trade exchange between India and the US.

From what I know, they import CKD kits from the US and assemble them at their facility in Gurgaon. What Triumph is proposing is a a full fledged manufacturing setup. There is a huge difference. To put things in perspective, without naming names, before the clamp down on grey market SBK's, there were a ton of garages across the country importing CKDs and assembling them here. That is the level of expertise, infrastructure, equipment, and capital required.

The Y's, H's and S's are NOW on their own. HD is or is about to roll out India manuf bikes. It was a one time trade agreement before. but not anymore.
And i don't think Triumph want to go the "local garage"way for sure!!

[aargee]

Originally Posted by ebonho

Harley Davidson I do not think is manufacturing the bikes in India. Are they (admittedly, don't know much on this)? I thought it was a one-time trade exchange between India and the US.

http://articles.economictimes.indiat...perbikes-bawal

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/568/83...-in-India.aspx

http://www.zigwheels.com/news-featur...in-2014/14923/

[ebonho]

Thanks for the info on the plans for an Indian manufactured Harley guys. Should be nice for the cruiser crowd on a budget.

Will still reserve jdgment on the Triumph venture though. It sounds to me a lot like Yamaha's fabled "coming soon" 250, but I hope and pray that I am proven wrong.

[djay99]

Originally Posted by ebonho

djay, I appreciate the enthusiasm bro. I love Triumph too and who knows, inshalla, a day may come when I might be riding a Street Triple on our roads too, doing some really obscene speeds, terrorizing the Duke puppies around. But bro, I belong to a manufacturing setup myself (albeit a different industry). I know how long it takes for new plants to be commisioned, validated, all regulatory hoops jumped through, etc. If Triumph has taken 3 years and are no closer (from what we hear) to having an operational plant than what they were, then I do honestly believe that the project is still not a sure shot and while the lucky(?) few might well get their bikes at great prices, as Triumph strives to limit their losses credibility-wise, the fact remains that they may still very well somewhere down the line bow to pressures beyond their control and exit. Bigger brands than Triumph have found India a hard nut to crack - especially when going it alone.

Hi Doc,
I agree to some of your points but i posted my opinion based on the interactions i had with triumph official. I have some more information on Triumph than what Autocar/Overdrive posted but have been advised not to disclose on public forums.

Getting a land is a big task in karnataka and i would say that it was triumph's mistake on choosing this place for their manufacturing facility. But i got to know that Bangalore plant was not for the initial assembling of CKD models.

I have worked with a japanese auto giant who did setup a second manufacturing/assembly plant in just over an year's time. They were already established in india and ofcourse that helped them in speeding up the process.

Look at Harley. Many including myself thought that they would fail here.
They started with CBU and now 9 of their 13 models are CKD. They are making good progress in india and are now getting in to local manufacturing.
IMO exit of an indian head delayed entire stuff. Let's hope for best.

[Shubz]

So Triumph finally goes active on their official Facebook page asking... So who is ready for the official India launch news? :-D Something tasty cooking around the corner.

[siddharthseth]

Yes indeed! As a matter of fact, I had a look at what's in store for the Indian market...and I must say that I have personally decided to save every last penny for a certain 675cc monster called the Daytona!

Originally Posted by Shubz

So Triumph finally goes active on their official Facebook page asking... So who is ready for the official India launch news? :-D Something tasty cooking around the corner.

[motorpsycho]

Sharing the post from FB


TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES ANNOUNCES ITS INDIA CHAPTER

-Triumph Motorcycles are destined to hit Indian roads by November 2013

- Vimal Sumbly appointed as Managing Director, India

New Delhi, 31 July 2013: The iconic British motorcycle brand, Triumph is all set to reinstate its ambitious plans for the Indian market, whilst outlining its commitment to provide Indian motorcyclists with the definitive riding experience.

The Leicestershire (UK) headquartered marque continues to be applauded for its diverse range of bikes that are distinctive in looks, design and performance. From the iconic Bonneville to the multi-award winning Daytona 675, and to the legendary Rocket, Triumph offers bikes that have a blend of character, intuitive handling, desirability and performance, giving it an unrivalled status.

Emphasising the significance India plays in the global strategy, Paul Stroud – Director Sales & Marketing (global) said ‘2013 is a very crucial year for Triumph Motorcycles in India and as a company, we are confident about the timing of our market entry. In the past few months, we have carefully assessed the market landscape and will be making well-honed efforts to provide our discerning customers with a complete brand experience.’

Supplementing the announcement of Triumph’s India plans is the appointment of Vimal Sumbly as the Managing Director for India. Prior to joining Triumph, Vimal was General Manager Sales at Bajaj Auto Ltd and comes with close to 16 years of experience in the Automobile space. Vimal, who is an ardent biker himself, will spearhead the sales development and growth of Triumph in India.

Speaking on his new role Vimal Sumbly said ‘I am delighted to have joined Triumph as the brand looks to embark on a well phased out strategy for the Indian market. Our commitment of developing truly iconic motorcycles that are distinctive in looks, design and performance remains ever-present. Soon Indian customers will be able to experience these category wining machines on Indian roads, as the brand looks to elevate the motorcycling paradigm.’

Triumph will be assembling some of its models in India at the CKD assembly facility, which is nearing completion at Manesar, Haryana. Triumph is currently looking for dealer partners across strategic locations within India to ensure that customers across the country are able to enjoy the Triumph experience. From genuine parts, seamless after-sales services to authentic merchandise and accessories, Triumph will ensure a complete motorcycling experience.

[djay99]

Finally we hear an official word from triumph on the launch after a long time. Looks like it is happening by October end. Over an year's slippage from original plan.