POLARIS CONFIRMED THE LAUNCH OF 'VICTORY' BRAND IN INDIA

American auto marque Polaris Industries, which is best known for its All Terrain Vehicle being well sold in India, has confirmed that the company will launch its high-end motorcycle brand 'Victory' in the Indian market by the end of 2013.

The Indian bike market has been showing a significant hike in cruiser and tourer segments in the past 2-3 years. So I think, it is the right time to introduce Victory in India which is already pretty well known in this segment. Victory cruisers qualify the excise limits, thus Polaris might import the bikes as completely build units that can result in hefty price tags of the Victory bikes. The company might have to face some fierce competition from a few of the already well-settled bike manufacturers like Harley Davidson, Hyosung, Honda and Suzuki.

All the Victory bikes get power from a 1,731cc V-Twin four stroke, air/oil cooled engines, which come mated to six speed manual gearboxes. A carbon fiber reinforced belt drive is used to transfer the power to the rear wheel. These V-Twin engines are one of the most advanced and powerful that any motorcycle uses. Victory uses few of the most advance technologies which includes the self-adjusting cam chains, hydraulic lifters, electronic fuel injection and an SOHC/4 valves per cylinder layout.

Pankaj Dubey, Managing Director and Country Head of Polaris India confirmed, "Yes we have decided to launch 'Victory' in the market by the end of 2013." However, Mr. Dubey refused to disclose any of the details and price strategy, saying it is too early to decide on prices. Though we can consider his quote about the US and other markets price being over 26 lakh can be a hint.

About off-road vehicles, he said, "Polaris has demonstrated various types of All Terrain Vehicles to the Defence, Police and paramilitary forces, as these can be used in surfaces like beach sand, mining areas, thick jungles and rough surfaces." He also believes that Polaris Military Racer, with its infrared light, 360 degree firing range, can be mightily useful for the forces. He further added that the company is negotiating with departments and are quite sure of getting good orders from India. Polaris India is expecting to do business of around Rs. 500-600 crore by 2017-18.