Sole dealer remains upbeat about Harley prospects

This is the view of sole distributor Power Station Motorsport, which has set a target to increase the number of its customers who ride Harley-Davidsons from about 400 currently to more than 1,500 over the next three years.

The company, which has been US-based Harley-Davidson Motor's sole authorised dealer in Thailand since November 2006, yesterday announced tennis star Paradorn Srichaphan as the brand ambassador for Harley-Davidson in Thailand.

"Despite the economic downturn, we see great business potential for Harley-Davidson bikes in Thailand," said Krittin Bhichaisornplaeng, sales manager of Power Station Motorsport.

Krittin said the company had, however, set a conservative Thai sales target for Harley-Davidsons this year, with zero growth expected. The current economic difficulties have affected people's purchasing power, as well as potential customers who might have been looking to buy a Harley.

"We want to sell a minimum of 12 Harley-Davidson motorcycles a month, which is the same amount as last year," he said.

He added that the economic woes had not totally dented sales.

"Those who are able to afford a Harley-Davidson are higher-income people, who have monthly income of between Bt50,000 and at least Bt100,000. The price of a Harley-Davidson ranges from Bt550,000 to about Bt1.6 million," said Krittin.

Krittin said many financial institutions had started to provide attractive packages, such as a two-year instalment period with zero interest, to assist consumers who want to buy a Harley-Davidson.

He said that about 60 per cent of its customers purchased Harleys via such packages.

"About 20 per cent of our clients, especially those who are higher-income people, have started to buy a second Harley-Davidson. Some of our customers own six Harley-Davidsons in their collection."