Harley-Davidson seeks to expand overseas

With its foray into China under way and an eye toward boosting sales overseas, Harley-Davidson is looking to sell its iconic motorcycles in India and Vietnam.

Vietnam recently agreed to end its outright ban on large motorcycles and lessen its tariffs more than 60 percent over the coming years, as part of a trade pact with the United States, he said.

"We believe with the closer ties between our two countries and the investment that certain other firms are making in India that there would be a real interest in Harley-Davidson‘s brand and the opportunity to ride one of our ‘hogs‘ over there," Hoelter said.

CEO Jim Ziemer said earlier this year the motorcycle maker sees solid, long-term potential in the Asian Pacific and Latin American markets. A dealership in Beijing opened in April, marking the company‘s first venture there since at least World War II.

The tentative trade agreement — which could be approved next month — means Vietnam would relax trade barriers to U.S. products, a requirement it must fulfill to become a member of the World Trade Organization . Congress must also approve supporting legislation.

"If you go to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City you will notice the virtual unceasing rivers of two-wheelers," he said.

India would probably prove more favorable to Harley-Davidson than Vietnam, just because of the country‘s population, said Greg Badishkanian, leisure vehicle analyst with Citigroup. But it‘ll most likely be a long time before the motorcycles enter the market, he said