Cannondale To Unveil Bicycle Range in India

NEW DELHI, India – Another major US international bicycle brand is making his entry into the Indian market this year. After Trek, it is the turn of Cannondale to enter this massive market. The Cannondale Sports Group will be represented by TI Cycles.

“We agreed with TI Cycles at the Interbike show in Las Vegas,” confirmed Edward Vlutters (see photo), International Sales Manager, Cannondale Sport Group. “Our bikes will likely to be available in India from February 2009.”
 
When asked for the company’s reasons for choosing TI Cycles as partner, Vlutters said, “TI Cycles has a good reputation in the bicycle market in India and they are known for great products. More importantly, the management understands the need for high-end products and is constantly improving the retail landscape in India.”

Cannondale sees India as an emerging market for high-end bikes. “There is always a demand for high end bikes even in emerging markets, you will not know the exact potential until you make the bikes available in that market. Cannondale is not new to launching high end product in emerging markets,” added Vlutters. When asked about Cannondale’s relationship with TI Cycles, he added, “TI Cycles will set up authorized Cannondale distributors and we will work as close partners to support each other.”
 
Cannondale is planning to launch special models in India. “Initially, we will launch mountain bikes; hardtail & full suspension street bikes; touring, adventure, comfort, and tandems,” said Vlutters. “We will also introduce its line of apparel and accessories to make the whole range available to the Indian customer.”

Cannondale’s plan is to bring a line of products suitable for the Indian market but also make all other products available as the idea is to make new technologies available. Considering the price of the bicycle in the Indian market, Cannondales are expensive. “The models would be launched in high-price ranges”, he stated. However, Cannondale has not set any targets for Indian market. “The feedback from the market will show the real potential and possible volumes, so it’s hard to make estimations at this point”’ stressed Vlutters.

Commenting on Cannondale’s forecast for the Indian bicycle market, Vlutters said, “I think the outlook for Cannondale in India is very positive. India has a great cycling culture in terms of commuting with bicycles and the use of bicycles in various ways. Bicycles are seen everywhere in India and respected on the roads. As traffic and environmental problems keep increasing in India and worldwide, the bicycle has a golden future.”