Official; Triumph launching Nov 2013

We broke this news across India a few days ago, and it's now official, English big-bike maker Triumph is now to enter the Indian two-wheeler market launching their very first motorcycles here in November 2013, led by experienced two-wheeler industry veteran, managing director Vimal Sumbly, an avid biker himself.

Triumph has already seen its fair share of up and downs in India. Triumph's India launch was one of the most looked up to bike event at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo, where the famous superbike manufacturer announced competent pricing for a wide model range of seven big-bikes. After this, the Triumph India story strayed off-schedule, with only available news being of their factory being under construction in Narsapura, outside Bengaluru.

A key contributor to this delay has been Triumph having approached India sensibly from the word go, aiming to get it right from the word go, importing bikes in via the more affordable CKD route, rather than choosing the quicker option, to bring in expensive CBU imported bikes. Although the Narsapura factory remains some way from completion, Triumph will on-sale this November through a few handpicked dealers, the iconic British bike-maker working from a compact, efficient motorcycle assembly unit in Manesar, Haryana, on the outskirts of New Delhi, to bring in a range of Triumph motorcycles.

The CKD imported bikes can be expected to be competently priced, close to their announced target prices from the Auto Expo, perhaps a little more today taking into consideration the falling rupee, and inflation, both factors beyond Triumph's control. This will become Triumph's stepping stone into India, from where they will rapidly expand operations and build a presence to take on more established rivals in India, including Harley-Davidson, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi.

Acknowledging the significance of India in Triumph's global strategy, Paul Stroud, director sales & marketing (Triumph global) has stated "2013 is a very crucial year for Triumph Motorcycles in India and as a company, we are confident about the timing of our market entry. In the past few months, we have carefully assessed the market landscape and will be making well-honed efforts to provide our discerning customers with a complete brand experience."

And speaking of his role at Triumph, Vimal Sumbly has mentioned "I am delighted to have joined Triumph as the brand looks to embark on a well phased out strategy for the Indian market. Our commitment of developing truly iconic motorcycles that are distinctive in looks, design and performance remains ever-present. Soon Indian customers will be able to experience these category wining machines on Indian roads, as the brand looks to elevate the motorcycling paradigm."