Ducati India Lobbies for Lower Import Duty, GST as It Expands Service Network to Hyderabad, Kolkata
Ducati India is pressing New Delhi to cut import duties, GST and the 20% road tax on CBU premium motorcycles, arguing high levies choke volume growth. In parallel, the brand plans two new service-only centres in 2026, ruling out local assembly or a budget-tier model over the next 3-5 years.
What happened
Ducati India urges lower import duties, GST and road taxes on premium bikes; plans service-only centre expansion in Hyderabad, Kolkata, rules out local assembly
Key facts
- 20% road tax on CBU motorcycles
- 2 new service centres planned in 2026
Why this matters
With Ducati explicitly ruling out CKD assembly or a budget tier for 3-5 years, any M&A or JV interest should focus on distribution/service infrastructure plays rather than manufacturing localization opportunities.
What to watch
- SIAM or industry association formal representation to Finance Ministry on CBU duty
- Union Budget FY27 customs duty notifications for motorcycles >800cc
- Any state government road tax waiver/incentive scheme for premium two-wheelers
- Ducati India sales volume disclosure post service-centre launches
- Competitor (BMW, Triumph, Harley) local assembly or CKD announcements signaling divergent strategy
- Monitor Ducati's FY26 volume guidance and whether service-network expansion converts to showroom/dealer count growth in Tier-2 cities
- Watch peer premium OEMs (Triumph, Harley, BMW Motorrad) for coordinated lobbying via industry body (SIAM) rather than solo Ducati push
- Track Union Budget 2026 fine print on two-wheeler/CBU customs duty schedule
- Check Telangana/WB state industrial policy announcements for luxury retail incentives tied to Ducati's Hyderabad/Kolkata entry