Files
FRANCE – Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, has enhanced its presence in the important southern region, launching two new flagship stores, supporting the continued growth of its midsize and heavyweight lineups, while preparing for the all-new, truly-global FTR 1200 model.
Launching in two significant locations for motorcycling, Indian Motorcycle buyers and riders now have two exceptional destinations to visit with Premium Indian Motorcycles relocating to a new showroom near Nice and the all-new dealer, Indian Valence, opening its doors in Bourg-Lès-Valence.
Since the 2013 relaunch of Indian Motorcycle, the brand has seen strong year on year growth in France and the country is now the number one market in Europe and third worldwide. Supporting this growth, the official dealer network has expanded to 31 locations with a focus on delivering the premium motorcycle experience. Premium Indian Motorcycle and Indian Valence are the latest milestone in an ongoing project to upgrade and enhance the dealer network with an emphasis on quality over quantity.
“Giving our customers the very best environments in which to experience Indian Motorcycle, from their very first contact, through their decision process and on to a long term one-on-one relationship is extremely important to us,” Says Pierre Audoin, Indian Motorcycle National Manager. “To deliver the premium motorcycle experience, we work hard with all our partners to define an individual plan regarding quality, strategy, training and to provide a setting that is not only recognisably Indian Motorcycle, but also tailored to their unique location. With the South of France being a highly fashionable area, it was important to create environments that reflected this.”
Premium Indian Motorcycles, who have been with the brand since its relaunch and originally based in Cannes, relocated to Nice to place themselves firmly in the Alpes Maritimes catchment area, a motorcycling hotspot. Arnaud Meunier of Premium Motorcycles explains, “I have the feeling that we are continuing the history of the brand and that the future holds exciting surprises. Indian Motorcycle have invested a lot in R&D so the range is in full development. I think that the next five years will be incredible in terms of development. We are preparing to face this growth: it’s a great opportunity for a dealer and a great personal accomplishment to be part of the modern Indian adventure.”
Relocating to the beautiful French Riviera required a unique approach to the showroom design to fit the hipster lifestyle, stand out from the competition and create a destination dealership to attract riders of all brands. Featuring a large, split level showroom, the interior is constructed mainly from wood in a natural finish with the heritage and craftsmanship of the brand reflected in the choice of fittings, furniture and decoration.
“I’ve tried to put myself in the shoes of a customer with all their possible expectations and combine that with our professional and technical needs to work effectively,” says Arnaud. “The showroom concept was for a warm inviting place, with clearly defined spaces for different needs. These spaces allow us to provide the best possible service for our customers, but also provide areas for conviviality and socialising that do not impact on our service if a group of riders come for a coffee, to meet or rest. The goal was to create more than a showroom, to welcome the customer and future customers and give them reasons to visit us throughout the year. This is also why we have included a stage, to organise small concerts for motorcycle launches or for social events.”
Celebrating the completion of the project, a grand opening night welcomed over 400 local riders and special guests for a party which took advantage of the mezzanine stage with live music in the evening.
Indian Valence in Bourg-Lès-Valence, a strategic location between Lyon and the Riviera, is an entirely new member of the Indian Motorcycle family. With a passion for American motorcycles, the business partners behind the new venture chose to participate in the development of Indian Motorcycle as it was clear to them that the brand has great potential in France.
“The Indian Motorcycle team trusted us from the beginning and helped us in the implementation of our project: from research of the commercial space to the layout of the store. We wanted to invest in Indian because it is the first American motorcycle brand and the prospects for development were important. Indian Motorcycle have great ambitions for the continued revival of the brand and we are very confident about the future,” says Frédéric Barrau of Indian Valence.
Frédéric continues, “Our store was designed according to the specifications of the brand but we wanted to bring our own personal touch. We wanted to create a warm and friendly space to welcome all bikers. We hope eventually to become a meeting point for bikers in the region who have the same state of mind as us: the pleasure of riding together.”
Before the official opening, an exclusive inauguration evening was held to celebrate the completion of the project and to thank the people involved. For the official opening the next day, more than 100 people attended to admire the showroom and the Indian Motorcycle range.
Notes for Editors
- Additional images are available to download at www.indianmotorcycle.media
- Sign in with your existing account or register for access at www.indianmotorcycle.media/register
###
ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE
Indian Motorcycle, a wholly owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), is America’s first motorcycle company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivalled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under new brand stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle-intl.eu/select-country/
MEDIA CONTACT
Ian Austin
EMEA Press Indian Motorcycle
Follow us on Twitter @IndianEMEA_PR
+44 7471 030606
press@indianmotorcycle.media
