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New Delhi: Britain’s iconic motorbike manufacturer, Triumph, is all set to enter the Indian premium bike market and has appointed Ashish Joshi, the former head of Royal Enfield Europe, as the Managing Director for its Indian venture.

“India is a very important motorcycle market and Triumph has assessed it carefully before deciding to step in. We see it as the next step in our global business model,” Nick Bloor, Chief Executive Officer Triumph Motorcycles UK, said while briefing reporters about the company’s expansion plan in the country. He further added that the appointment of Joshi as the MD of the Indian venture is a signal of the company’s earnestness to be successful in India.

Joshi was the head of Royal Enfield European operations before joining Triumph Motorcycles. He was instrumental in establishing Royal Enfield’s business across Europe. He has an experience of more than 16 years in Europe and Asia.

Although, no specific timeline has been specified by the company for launching its products in the country, it is speculated that the company plans to roll out its superbikes in early 2012. It is not yet clear whether the company will import or assemble units in India. It is also speculated that the company is looking to launch around 6-8 models from its range of 20 super bikes; these include classics, cruisers and naked sports bikes. The prices of these motorbikes range from 4.8 Lakhs to 9.5 Lakhs in the United Kingdom.

Triumph has been linked for an alliance or a stake acquisition with Bajaj Auto in the past. The company was established in 1902, and it has now shifted base to Hinckley, Leicestershire. It is renowned for the broad range of bikes it offers. Tiger 800, Speed Triple, Daytona 675 and 2.3 L Rocket III are some of its popular markets. Top global players of premium super bike market are looking to make inroads in India and Triumph Motorcycles is the latest addition to the list of companies which include BMW Motorrad, Ducati and Harley Davidson.