Harley-Davidson bikes will soon be ready to kick start its business in the Indian market. In sync with its launch in June 2010, Harley-Davidson Motor Company India Pvt Ltd has announced The Republic as its consultant on international brand and communication strategy. The PR and the media consultation will be taken care by Edelman, whereas the events and experiential activities will be handled by Seventy EMG.

All the agencies are experts in their respective fields. As of now, Harley-Davidson will concentrate on communication through virals, social media, website and other such forms to strengthen their bond with the Indian consumers.

An official communiqué from Harley-Davidson Motor Company India, stated, “These three agencies are already working together, having worked with us to manage the initial launch activity, including the creation of the Harley-Davidson India website and the recent Founders’ Ride in New Delhi on August 30, 2009. We have no plans to make further appointments at this time.”

Indian Markets are on the wish list of every foreign brand. Lot of foreign brands have made an entry in the market off late, and joining the bandwagon is none other than Harley-Davidson, US based Motorcycle Company.

Matthew Levatich, President of Harley-Davidson’s main motorcycle division feels this is the perfect time to launch leisure motorcycle riding due to confluence of factors like rise of middle class consumption, increased government investment in new highways and the recent economic boom.

The brand has a huge presence in the US market, but many feel is not a perfect fit for the Indian roads. Although India recently announced an ambitious plan of connecting various cities with highways, the potholed roads and the traffic-struck roads will be one of the major obstacles for the company.

The bike will be targeted towards the niches, particularly affluent Indians, for whom the biking experience and the pride of owning a Harley bike is like a dream come true. The company will sell about 12 models in India at a starting price of Approx. Rs 6, 70,000 ($14,000), twice the U.S.starting price.

The bike may rollout in the first half of 2010, as the company is still looking for suitable Indian dealers.

The biking brand seems to be in top speed to enter the world’s second largest market of bikes.

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