EBR TO DISTRIBUTE HERO BRAND MOTORCYCLES AND SCOOTERS IN NORTH AMERICA
ORLANDO, Fla. – Erik Buell Racing (EBR) announced today that it will be the exclusive distributor of Hero brand motorcycles and scooters in North America beginning in summer 2014. The announcement was made in conjunction with an unveiling of several Hero motorcycles and scooters at the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) in Orlando. India-based Hero MotoCorp is the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheeled motor vehicles. Specific models to be offered and pricing details have yet to be determined.
“The actual EBR collaboration with Hero MotoCorp began in late 2011, when we were contracted to deliver a concept hybrid scooter for Hero in record time for the January 2012 Delhi show,” said EBR founder Erik Buell during a video address to gathered EBR dealers and media. “In early 2012, EBR next entered a long term strategic partnership to provide technical expertise and engineering services for Hero, the world’s largest producer of two-wheeled vehicles. Hero, a longtime supporter of sports in India, also became a sponsor of our race team in the AMA Pro Road Racing Championship. Since then, the alliance has grown stronger, culminating in Hero MotoCorp purchasing a minority share in EBR this past summer.”
Hero MotoCorp produces more than 6 million two-wheelers in India annually and recently celebrated the production of their 50 millionth unit.
“I am delighted to announce today that EBR will be distributing Hero motorcycles to the United States and Canada on an exclusive basis starting summer of 2014. Here in the booth you will see some examples of models that we are considering bringing to this market, and also some information on Hero MotoCorp. We recently had a great event in India to celebrate our 50 millionth motorcycle, and Erik was there with me to enjoy that event, both as a friend and as the huge fan of motorcycling that he is,” said Hero MotoCorp Managing Director and CEO Pawan Munjal. “Both EBR and Hero believe that the combination of the world’s leading manufacturer of two wheelers and one of the world’s leading innovators is a very powerful team and we are excited about the possibilities.”
The official EBR launch of the Hero product line in North America will take place in mid-2014.
About EBR: Headquartered in East Troy, Wis., Erik Buell Racing engineers, develops and manufactures high performance motorcycles for sportbike enthusiasts around the world. Additionally, EBR Engineering Services provides engineering consulting expertise for projects inside and outside the motorcycle industry for a global client base.
About Hero MotoCorp Ltd.: Based in India, Hero MotoCorp Ltd. (Formerly Hero Honda Motors Ltd.) is the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers. In 2001, the Company achieved the coveted position of being the largest two-wheeler manufacturing company in India and also the ‘World No.1’ two-wheeler company in terms of unit volume sales in a calendar year. Hero MotoCorp Ltd. continues to maintain this position.