JCB India forays into apparels

Leading construction equipment maunfacturer JCB India today announced its foray into the apparels business with the launch of its first clothing line endorsed by Formula-1 driver Narain Karthikeyan.

Onkar Singh Sunar, MD and CEO of JCB India, said: "As much as it is part of the brand building exercise, we are serioulsly looking at the apparels business."

Sunar said the new apparels range, which are mainly sporty casuals priced from Rs 399 onwards, would be made available in 80 cities from over 400 outlets during the current fiscal.

"We have plans to distribute the line through retail outlets including branded ones like Shoppers' Stop and others," Sonar said, but added the company had no plans to set up exclusive retail outlets.

The company would initially focus on apparels, but plans to subsequently introduce branded shoes and accessories, he added.