Benelli India sales crosses 3,000 mark

Benelli has crossed the 3,000 unit milestone for its overall sales in India. Boyed by the strong demand, the Italian premium bike maker has announced plans to open 15 more showrooms across the country by the end of this year. 

Benelli made its foray into the Indian market in March last year, with a target of selling 3,000 motorcycles in the first year of operation. While it did take them a few more months than anticipated, the company has finally hit the target. With the Benelli TNT 600i making up one third of the total number, the middleweight streetfighter has become one of the fastest selling big bikes in the country. Benelli’s Indian portfolio is spread over a wide price bracket, starting at Rs 1.68 lakh for the entry-level TNT 25 going right up to Rs 11.81 lakh for the litre-class TNT R. The company had started off with a network of nine showrooms across the country, which has now been expanded to 17. 

All six models are imported into the country through the completely knocked down (CKD) route and are assembled at DSK Motowheels’ facility in Wai, Maharashtra. The local assembly has given Benelli an edge in terms of pricing as the CKD models fall under a lower tax bracket.

Expressing delight at this achievement, Shirish Kulkarni, chairman, DSK Motowheels said, “DSK Benelli has managed to carve a strong niche for itself in India’s superbike industry thanks to our emphasis on performance coupled with compelling design language. We have established our brand leadership stance on the basis of our diverse portfolio that offers superbikes at various price points. Our overall vision is to create a vibrant superbiking culture in India and help more and more riding aficionados experience the pure pleasure of owning an Italian superbike unlike any other.”