How an ATV maker aims to tap adventure tourism space in India

Polaris India, a manufacturer of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), is making significant strides in the country's adventure tourism space. The company's vehicles can operate in extreme cold as well as extreme heat. What are its plans for the Indian market? Polaris India MD Lalit Sharma answers several such questions in this special interaction with Zeebiz.com.

Q1: Are there any special initiatives that Polaris is pursuing to enhance its footprint in India's growing adventure tourism sector? How is Polaris planning to meet the increasing interest in adventure tourism among Indian consumers?

Polaris is actively enhancing its presence in India's adventure tourism sector by establishing more Experiencing Zones throughout the country. These zones offer adventure experiences on Polaris products, catering to the growing interest in off-road activities among Indian consumers. Additionally, Polaris supports tour operators by offering guidance on setting up and managing their own off-road experiences, aligning with the experience zone concept. This includes operational and safety riding training to ensure that both thrill-seekers and entrepreneurs can benefit from a high-quality off-road adventure. This strategic approach aligns with India's goal to establish a USD 3 trillion tourism economy by 2047, with adventure tourism expected to significantly contribute to this growth.

Q2: Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations Polaris has formed with Indian companies or organizations?

Polaris is working with their authorized dealer networks to enhance reach in various tourism hot spots. These collaborations include the development of off-road trails, adventure parks, and organized ride events. By working closely and offering training and guidance with local entrepreneurs and tour operators, Polaris ensures that its vehicles are widely accessible and that the adventure tourism sector continues to expand, benefiting local economies.

Q3: Are there any collaborations with local tour operators that Polaris undertakes to support community development and sustainable tourism practices?

Yes, Polaris supports community development and sustainable tourism practices via their authorized dealer networks. These collaborations involve creating and maintaining off-road trails and adventure parks, which generate local employment and boost tourism revenues. Globally, Polaris has a Geared for Good program that focuses on being good stewards for the industry, employees, riders, communities, and the outdoors. Four key areas govern the Geared for Good Framework: Product, Production, Places, and People. Positively impacting land and water through stewardship and responsible riding and putting people at the center of what we do are two of the main aims of our Geared for Good campaign. Polaris and its partners prioritize sustainable practices in trail development and event organization, promoting long-term viability.

Q 4. What role does technology play in enhancing the performance and safety of Polaris vehicles in India?

Polaris is continuously refining its technology to ensure reliability and high performance across diverse terrains, from the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan. Features such as independent suspension and supreme handling are integral to providing a safe and enjoyable ride. Game changing technologies like the Polaris Ride Command to Map a trail, track people in a group, pin a specific spot, while the Dynamix Active Suspension will monitors inputs from the driver and machine 200 times every second,

automatically adjusting every shock to flatten corners and soak up bumps Polaris India is committed to always enhancing its performance and safety by being best in class in the technology used for all its vehicles.

Q 5. What kinds of training and support does Polaris provide to customers and tour operators to ensure a secure and enjoyable off-road experience?

Our dealers are geared up for providing a comprehensive training and support to its customers about vehicle operation, safety protocols, and terrain navigation. These sessions are designed to enhance off-roading capabilities and ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. Polaris dealers also offers guidance on setting up of experience zones and managing off-road experiences, promoting a culture of safety and responsibility.

Q 6. Can you comment on Polaris India's strategic goals for expansion and growth in the Indian market?

Polaris India is well-positioned to build on our established reputation in offering robust off-road vehicles specifically developed to diverse needs, including those of the defense, agriculture, tourism and utility sectors.

By focusing on these strategic sectors and continuing to innovate in our product offerings, I am confident that Polaris India will not only strengthen its current market leadership but also expand its footprint and influence in the Indian market. This expansion will contribute to both economic growth and the enrichment of adventurous experiences for consumers.

Recognizing the surge in domestic tourism and the escalating demand for adventure travel experiences, we see significant opportunities for growth in the tourism sector. Polaris India will continue to innovate and supply vehicles that enhance the adventure and off-roading experience for tourists. By leveraging our expertise and continuously developing cutting-edge technology, we aim to provide unparalleled experiences that cater to the evolving preferences of adventure enthusiasts.

Our commitment to quality and performance, coupled with our strategic focus on key sectors, positions us to drive growth and create memorable off-road experiences across India. As we look to the future, Polaris India is dedicated to maintaining our leadership in the off-road vehicle market and expanding our influence, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the industry while contributing to the vibrant and dynamic landscape of Indian tourism.

Q 7. Are there any specific modifications that Polaris has implemented in its vehicles keeping in mind India's unique and diverse environmental conditions?

India's diverse geographic terrain presents unique challenges for off-road vehicle brands like Polaris. From the towering mountains of the Himalayas to the arid deserts of Rajasthan and the sandy beaches of coastal regions, each terrain requires vehicles with specific capabilities and adaptations. Meeting these challenges involves a deep understanding of the diverse conditions and a commitment to innovation. Polaris has always meticulously planned and adapted its vehicles to handle such extreme and diversified terrains, ensuring reliability and performance across such varied landscapes.

Our range includes the hard-charging RZR Wide Open lineup, designed for intense off-road challenges, the versatile RZR Multi-Terrain lineup that adapts to various landscapes, and the nimble and agile RZR Trail lineup, perfect for navigating narrower paths and intricate terrains. Each model is designed to meet the specific demands of every rider and every off-road terrain, ensuring a superior and comfortable off-road adventure across country’s varied landscapes.

By continuously refining our technology and listening to feedback from our users, Polaris ensures that our off-road vehicles remain at the forefront of performance and reliability, no matter on which terrain they are driven.

Q 8. Can you share the expected launch date for the Indian Scout motorcycle in India?

The Indian Scout motorcycle’s launch date in India is currently in the planning process, and we will share complete details as soon as they are finalized.