A basic observation at DSK Benelli Pune showroom today points to the TNT 600i being an immediate success story with a number of first customers picking a white bike. In fact, DSK Benelli Pune dealership confirms 27 bookings at the time of dealership inauguration. Prior to price reveal on 19th, Benelli had secured 80 bookings. In less than 2 days, that number is confirmed at 270 across its 9 dealerships. The Pune store is located at Godrej Eternia, old Mumbai-Pune Highway, Wakdewadi, Shivajinagar under DSK Motowheels.
DSK Benelli Mumbai dealership is located at Hub Town Viva, G6-G7, Western Express Highway, opposite Kohinoor Bakery, Jogeshwari (E) under the Shree Aadya Car Company. Ex showroom Delhi price is as follows: TNT 300 (Rs 2,83,000), TNT 600i (Rs 5,15,000), TNT 600 GT (Rs 5,62,000), TNT 899 (Rs 9,48,000), and TNT R 1130 (Rs 11,81,000).
Ex showroom Pune price is as follows: TNT 300 M (MRF Tyres) (Rs 2,86,000), TNT 300 P (Pirelli tyres) (Rs 2,95,000) TNT 600i (Rs 5,22,000), TNT 600 GT (Rs 5,70,000), TNT 600 GTS available with two 20 litre capacity side panniers (Rs 6,06,000), TNT 899 (Rs 9,59,000), and TNT R 1130 (Rs 11,95,000).
On the product front, Benelli will increase its portfolio here with the addition of TNT 25, Blackster 250 and Trek Amazonas. In addition, a Benelli TNT 300 fully faired version is underway. Keeping in mind disparity between ideating and proposal, and subsequent homologation, there’s no set timeline for the full faired launch. On that front, ABS will also be introduced in a phased manner this year, and isn’t avialble even as an option at present. DSK Benelli will looks at its 300cc and 600cc bikes for the bulk of its sales volume. Shirish Kulkarni, Chairman, DSK Motowheels is thrilled about Benelli being made available for Indian motorcycle enthusiasts. As the superbike industry grows rapidly, DSK sees scope to tap into this lucrative and growing market. DSK Benelli showrooms in India are the first set of showrooms worldwide to meet international CI standards of Benelli global showrooms.
Dante Gustos, Global Marketing Director of Benelli Motorcycles and George Wang, Board Director, Benelli were in attendance at the Pune store opening alongwith company engineers. George Wang takes pleasure in witnessing the launch of Benelli bikes in India, and has found a great partner in DSK Motowheels. Benelli sees great untapped potential in the Indian superbiking space and endeavours to offer bikers the very best through its top-of-the-line superbike range.
DSK Motowheels is responsible for assembling and selling Benelli bikes across India, alongwith providing service and spares. All 5 bikes are being imported to India as CKD units now. With 2015 target sales at 3000 units, DSK could consider more than assembly operations once 10,000 units are sold to leverage economies of scale, at which point, localisation would be up for discussion. The initial nine dealerships will be followed up by stores in other Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to end at 20 showrooms by 2015 end.
