To launch 380cc to 400cc bikes

Italian superbike maker Benelli is set to take on Royal Enfield with its next offering Imperiale, said a top official.

“We will be launching Imperiale 380cc to 400cc bikes either by the fourth quarter of calendar year 2019 or the first quarter of 2020,” said Vikas Jhabakh, managing director, Benelli India. “With this, we will take on Royal Enfield in the same segment.”

Benelli, which entered the Indian market recently by partnering with Adishwar Auto Ride India - Mahavir Group, has expressed its intention to start a manufacturing unit. “Currently, motorbikes are imported in completely knocked down condition and assembled. Going forward, we are planning to put up a manufacturing unit,” he said.

Mr. Jhabakh was in the city to announce the roll out of TRK 502 and TRK 502X with 500cc engines. With the new offerings, Benelli offers five products. “Having started our journey this year, we will use this year for building brand, expanding dealership network to 40, entering more geographies and rolling out new products. Next year, we will be focussing aggressively on sale. This year, our target is to sell 1,500 superbikes and double it next year. We hope to garner 10% market share in 2019,” he said.