While the world tries hard to get out of the 2008 economic slump, India, with its burgeoning class of millionaires, has beckoned renowned automotive companies to launch their latest products here. The latest to come here is the legendary Italian motorcycle maker, Ducati, which is opening its first sales outlet in the country in Worli, Mumbai, with many more slated for the next few years. Swaraj Baggonkar spoke to Ducati Motor Holding Vice-President (Sales) Cristiano Silei on the company’s India plans. Excerpts:
You unveiled the bikes in May last year, but you are selling them only now...
We had decided earlier on that we will not start sales until we have a complete infrastructure in place where we could properly service the motorcycles, as well as sell them. And we wanted to start with Mumbai and Delhi (Gurgaon before year end).
What is the response?
About 300 enquiries and well over 20 dealer enquiries, and obviously these will be the first people we would be in touch with over the next few weeks.
At the time of launch, the global CEO of Ducati said he’d be happy if even 50 bikes are sold in a year.
At that time, we were entering a market which had no prior statistical history of large motor bikes. The number of enquiries we have got is phenomenal and much more than what we had expected, considering the dealership is not even open yet. I am sure if we would have opened a dealership at that time, we would have sold more than 50 units by now. We will do much more next year.
How many dealer outlets do you plan in the next year?
We are going step by step, starting with Mumbai. Then Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata, and after that, other important areas will be targeted, depending on the demand two years later.
What products are you launching and at what price points?
We are launching five models with multiple variants -- Hyper Motard, Monster, Streetfighter, Superbike and SportClassic. These will be available between Rs 9.66 lakh to Rs 43.36 lakh (ex-showroom). However, we think the Multistrada 1200, to be showcased next month at the Milan Motor Show, will be the perfect bike for the Indian market.
You also had component sourcing plans from India?
We are sourcing some components from India. We are very satisfied with the business we have done till now and we will look to expand our opportunities. We also have a partnership with Tata Consultancy Services, working on our IT infrastructure support.
What is the waiting period on your bikes? Will India have a specific yearly quota, like other premium automakers who also import vehicles here?
We are trying to offer the shortest period of waiting time to the customer. Usually it is 3-4 months, but we are trying to shorten that. There will be no quota system for the country, we will bring to India as many as units as the demand.
Are you looking to tie-up with any financial institution for facilitating finance?
At the moment it is not available but it will certainly come down the road.
