Kawasaki has denied media reports suggesting increased localised manufacturing of components and engine parts; will continue importing bikes from Thailand as CKD units
Japanese bike manufacturer Kawasaki has denied the rumors of increased localised manufacturing of bike components and engine parts in India. The company has cleared that as of now, it doesn’t have any such plan. Currently, the brand imports bikes from Thailand as CKD kits and assemble them here.
Media reports suggested that Kawasaki is planning to increase local manufacturing and assemble its 300 cc and 650 cc engines in India in order to keep the pricing competitive. These two engines power the models like Kawasaki Ninja 300, Kawasaki Ninja 650, Kawasaki Versys 650 and the Kawasaki Z650, and all of these motorcycles come as CKD from Thailand, Kawasaki’s manufacturing hub. With localised production, pricing of these products could significantly lower.
Also read: Range-Topping 2017 Kawasaki Z1000 Launched in India at Rs. 14.39 Lakh
But, Kawasaki denied any such plan and it says as India enjoys free trade agreement with Thailand domestic customers are automatically benefitted with pricing advantage. Therefore, the company doesn’t see immediate need of increased localisation. Interestingly, Ducati and Triumph are also taking advantage of free trading agreement between India and Thailand.
Major numbers of Ducati bikes are produced in the Italian superbike manufacturer’s Thailand factory, while British marquee Triumph too is walking the same path. On the other hand, if Kawasaki decides to increased the localised production in the country it will have to invest a hefty amount of money here, which the brand clearly not interested in as of now.
Also read: Upcoming Bikes Under 900cc in India
Kawasaki has ended its 8 year old alliance with Bajaj Auto in the country from 1st April and it started working on its own. On behalf of Kawasaki, the India Kawasaki Motors (IKM) currently oversees the domestic operations. The brand is planning to expand its dealership network in order to strengthen its presence in the country. Last month the company launched the 2017 Z1000 and 2017 Z250, priced at 14.39 lakh and Rs. 3.09 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) respectively.
Kawasaki Z1000 Gallery
Source: Auto NDTV