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Harley-Davidson Inc. on Tuesday denied a media report it was abandoning its quest to sell bikes in India, saying it still wants to enter the motorcycle-hungry market, but wants tariffs reduced first.
The motorcycle maker has been trying for some time to enter India, considered one of the world's top markets for two-wheel motorcycles, primarily used as an inexpensive form of transportation.
Last month, it crossed a significant hurdle when Indian trade representatives agreed to lower the country's stringent emissions standards on motorcycles to levels used in Europe. But in talks with U.S trade representatives, Indian officials did not agree to lower the 60-percent tariffs on nearly all motorcycles.
Bob Klein, a spokesman for Milwaukee-based Harley, said the company saw the emissions reduction as a good first step but it wants tariffs lowered. Considering the tax rate on bikes is 30 percent, the addition of tariffs nearly doubles the cost of bikes, he said.
"We continue to be hopeful for and are actively working toward resolution on the tariffs. But we have not scrapped plans to enter India," Klein said.
Financial newspaper Mint quoted Tim Hoelter, Harley's vice president of government affairs, as saying the company looks forward to entering India, "but now does not seem like the right time."
Klein said no entry into the market is imminent but Harley continues to look there and at other emerging countries.
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