Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has set up a separate vertical to drive its new business of Harley-Davidson products and merchandise distribution in India.

Last year, the US-based premium bike maker exited the country under its restructuring programme and signed a non-equity partnership with Hero MotoCorp which will sell its motorcycles under the Harley Davidson banner.

The company has also begun wholesale dispatches of Harley Davidson products to the dealers from January 18.

Hero MotoCorp has brought on board 11 existing Harley-Davidson dealers in key geographies across the country.

They include dealers from Calcutta, Pune, Bangalore, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, Delhi and Hyderabad.

The rest of the 33 Harley dealers are negotiating with the US company for adequate compensation.

Global automotive expert Ravi Avalur has been appointed as the head of the new vertical.