Rumour: Harley-Davidson could exit Indian market

Earlier this month, there were reports in the media suggesting that Harley-Davidson was scaling down its operations in India. But, according to recent rumours, the US-based bike maker may completely exit the Indian market.

Harley-Davidson is in the midst of restructuring its global operations. The company plans to shift its focus on key markets that generate high sales volumes and have growth potential and exit those that are less profitable.

As part of its restructuring plan called Rewire, Harley-Davidson plans to reduce its product portfolio by 30%. The company has also retrenched about 500 positions globally. Some workers at its assembly facility in India are also said to have been laid off.

Reports also suggest that Harley-Davidson could be in touch with other automakers for a possible outsourcing arrangement using its leased assembly unit at Bawal in Haryana.

From April to June 2020, Harley-Davidson sold just 106 units in India. That's a decline of 87%, while exports are said to have gone down by 40% to 229 units.

Source