Date:08/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/12/08/stories/2006120805530100.htm

Back Chinese bikes to hit Indian roads soon; 3 cos look for distributors

Shailesh Menon

`Roadworthiness under Indian conditions doubtful'

Mumbai , Dec. 7

Three Chinese bike makers are planning to hit the Indian roads. Cixi Kingring Motorcycle Company, Xindayang Group Company Ltd and Huzhou Jiajieshi Machine & Electric Company are exhibiting their products at the fourth China Products (Mumbai) Exhibition.

Barely two hours into the opening of the exhibition, Cixi Kingring sold a jet black, 150cc Jinlun 162 FMJ Cruiser at $600 (about Rs 27,000), a 125cc bike at $460 (about Rs 20,700) and a 125cc gearless scooter at $450 (about Rs 20,250). On an average, the two-wheelers manufactured by Cixi Kingring deliver 100 km on 2.5 litres of petrol.

"We sold three units (for which we have paid duties and other levies) comfortably," said Mr Jim Chan of Cixi Kingring.

The three companies are looking at distributors in the country.

"We are looking for dealers in India. The company will ship (minimum order is 26 scooters or 55 electric bicycles in one container) two-wheelers and spare parts to Indian distributors," said Mr Johnson Long, Overseas Sales Director, Xindayang Group Company, a major producer of electric scooters and bicycles.

"We will send in ample spare parts to India. Initially, we might even sell them free of cost," said an official of Cixi Kingring. They are also ready to export bike parts to India for assembly at the dealers' premises.

"The roadworthiness of these vehicles under Indian conditions is a bit doubtful. Importing two-wheelers do not seem viable, as we will have to pay custom duties and other levies," said Mr Vineesh Goel, a potential distributor.