It'll be a Triumph of choice for premium motorcycle buyers: Vimal Sumbly

How many models do you plan to introduce in India initially? And what is the level of localisation that you will be looking at?
Although it may be inopportune for us to divulge our line-up at this moment, our potential customers can be assured that the completely knocked down (CKD) models have been selected based on customer feedback and overall interest in Triumph’s range over the past months.

Having assessed the market carefully, we are looking forward to creating a strong demand for our iconic motorcycle line-up across each of our prominent model families. Our recent announcement has driven tremendous excitement and anticipation within the market.

What are your plans for the Indian market and how important will be the Indian market for Triumph motorcycles on a global basis?
India is a very important market for the company and plays a significant role in our global strategy. We will be making conscious efforts to provide Indian customers everything from genuine parts, unrivalled after-sales services, to bona fide Triumph merchandise and accessories, through our dealerships.

The market for premium motorcycles is at a nascent stage and the segment is crowded already. Do you think competition is going to be tough?
The recent announcement of our CKD assembly plant in Manesar, Gurgaon, will lay a foundation for our first phase of the roll-out plan. The timing of our entry has been considered greatly and strategically planned. Triumph is coming at a time when the Indian premium motorcycle segment has been longing for the power of choice; we are ready to capitalise on this opportunity and provide our customers with the definitive riding experience. Having assessed the market carefully, we are looking forward to creating a strong demand for our iconic motorcycle line-up across each of our prominent model families.

What will be the capacity at the Manesar plant?
Capacity at our Manesar facility is fully flexible, and can be increased to meet the demand requirements of the Indian market.

What is the plan for dealer expansion? Have you already appointed a few dealers in India?
Dealerships remain a prime channel of customer interaction and brand engagement for Triumph. We are currently in the process of firming up our roll-out plans with potential dealers and their commencement will be in time with our launch.

A few other international premium bike companies have tied up with local players in order to set up low-cost manufacturing in India and develop products for the domestic as well as global markets. Would you like to share any thoughts about, or plans for, such initiatives?
Triumph Motorcycles Limited across all markets has entered as a 100% privately owned company.