Hero Motocorp’s bikes to be distributed by Erik Buell Racing in North America

            Hero Motocorp, India’s biggest two-wheeler manufacturer has taken another step towards becoming a major global two-wheeler manufacturer by further extending its partnership with Erik Buell Racing (EBR). Hero Motocorp has appointed EBR as the exclusive distributors of Hero Motocorp’s bikes and scooters in North America. EBR will distribute the specific Hero models and pricing details are yet to be determined. This deal will come into effect from mid 2014. EBR said in a press release. EBR made the announcement last week at the American International Motorcycle Expo in Orlando, Florida, where EBR also unveiled a new street-legal sports bike, the EBR 1190RX at a price similar to the likes of Ducati, KTM and other international motorcycles.

Hero Motocorp manufactures more than 6-million two wheelers in India every year. On 10 October 2013, Hero displayed its new line up of vehicle to be launched in the next few months, which includes an all new Hero ZMR and Karizma R. Both these top-end motorcycles from Hero have been redesigned and got their engines tweaked with inputs from the Eric Buell Racing. “Hero first contracted EBR in late 2011 to develop a hybrid scooter prototype for January 2012 Indian Auto expo”, said EBR founder Erik Buell. Later EBR struck a long-term deal with Hero to provide technical expertise and engineering services to them. Hero also sponsored EBR’s race team in the AMA pro road racing championship. Hero bought its minority stake of 49.2 percent share in the EBR and became the minority owner while Erik Buell remain the Chairman and CEO of Erik Buell Racing.

Eric Buell founded Buell Motorcycle Company in 1983 and is the former Harley-Davidson Inc. engineer. Milwaukee based Harley-Davidson bought controlling interest in Buell’s origial company in 1998, but closed it down in 2009 during the recession as a part of massive restructuring and strategic shift under then new CEO, Keith Wandell.

According to Mr. Pawan Munjal, CEO and Managing Director, Hero group, “Both Hero and EBR believe that the combination of the world’s leading two-wheeler manufacturer and one of the world’s leading innovators will result in the formation a very powerful team and we are excited about the possibilities”.