Italian bike brand Benelli launched in India

Mumbai: Italian superbike maker Benelli on Thursday launched five motorcycles in India, starting Rs 2.83 lakh. It will rival Japanese, US, and Korean makers.

The century-old brand headquartered in Pesaro, Italy, has partnered Pune-based real estate group DSK for the local assembly of the bikes. Marketing, sale and distribution are also with DSK Motowheels, of the group.

The Benelli TNT 300 is priced at Rs 2.83 lakh; 600i, Rs 5.15 lakh; 600 GT, Rs 5.62 lakh; 899, Rs 9.48 lakh; and TNTR 1130, Rs 11.81 lakh. All prices ex-showroom, Mumbai.

Shirish Kulkarni, chairman, DSK Motowheels, said, "The country’s superbike sector has grown by leaps and bounds, giving us immense scope to tap this lucrative and increasing market." Benelli will offer products in the engine range 300cc to 1,130cc.

DSK Motowheels has a similar tie-up with Korean bike maker S&T Motors, which makes bikes under the Hyosung brand.

Sales of the Benelli range will take place through a separate line of dealerships. DSK opened its first dealership in Mumbai on Thursday.

All bikes will be brought to India in completely knocked down units. DSK is operating from an assembly facility in Wai, Maharashtra. Sources said due to the addition of Benelli, the company would start assembly at a larger facility at Kamshet, Maharashtra.

Benelli’s rivals in India will be Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, Aprilia, Harley Davidson, KTM, Ducati, and Hyosung.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.