Harley-Davidson has announced that sale of motorcycles and parts and aftersales service will continue from January 2021 onwards.
Ever since Harley-Davidson announced that it will stop its operations in India back in September, customers and dealers have not been a happy lot.
To put a stop to bad reputation being built after the announcement, an official statement has been released on behalf of the US bike manufacturer.
Managing Director – Asia Emerging Markets and India, Harley-Davidson, Sajeev Rajasekharan, has stated that the firm is pleased to be continuing its journey in the country.
He said that Harley-Davidson is working closely with Hero MotoCorp to ensure a smooth transition for its customers and added that the brand is providing its riders with updates as available.
Further, the statement assures customers that sale of motorcycles, parts, accessories, merchandise, as well as aftersales service, warranty and Harley Owners Group (HOG) activities will continue from January 2021 onwards.
While this statement was released, it did not stop HOG, on Sunday, from conducting “Dark Rides” at 14 cities in the country protesting against Harley’s decision to pull out of India (announced in September) and in a bid to show support to Harley-Davidson dealers who have been left in the lurch.
Back in October, Harley-Davidson announced that it has signed distribution and licensing agreements with Hero MotoCorp that will enable the latter to take care of Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales and service, apart from developing a range of premium bikes under the American brand’s name.
However, the Milwaukee-based two-wheeler maker’s dealers in the country claim that their future is uncertain and are looking at taking legal action against the manufacturer over insufficient compensation.
The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations said the American brand’s dealer partners would face losses of up to Rs. 130 crores, while about 2000 employees will also lose their jobs due to the firm’s sudden decision.
It is stated that the current set of Harley dealers will continue operations until 31st December 2020 and details about the updated dealer network and service points, to be operational starting 1st January 2021, will be communicated before the year end.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Sales
- Harley-Davidson says sale of its bikes will continue from January
- The firm has released an official statement to pacify customers
- However, the future of current dealers is still not clear
