HARLEY LAUNCHES "MADE IN INDIA" BIKES

Harley-Davidson has introduced the first two motorcycles from its India factory, as the U.S. maker of iconic bikes tries to expand in one of the world's fastest growing two-wheeler markets

The first model, the SuperLow, will be priced at 550,000 rupees—or $12,168--while the second, called Iron 883, will be available for 650,000 rupees, according to the company. Both models will be assembled at the Harley Davidson factory in the northern state of Haryana. Production was set to begin January 1, 2011.

The India factory will assemble motorcycles from parts produced by the company's factories in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Missouri, as well as its component suppliers. Currently Harley imports fully built motorcycles into India, which cost more due to higher taxes than importing ready-to-assemble parts.

Producing motorcycles in India is expected to cut prices of the premium models, helping the company to boost sales in this price-sensitive market. Harley has been pushing up its sales outside its home turf. Sales outside North America accounted for 27% of the total in the July-September quarter, up from 24% a year earlier.

The company started its India operations in August 2009 and sells twelve motorcycle models there, including the Fat Boy, Roadster and Road King.