India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, on Wednesday announced its official launch in France, marking its 52nd international market.
The entry is being executed through a strategic distribution partnership with French firm GD France, and kicks off with the debut of the Euro 5+-compliant model, the Hunk 440.
The French debut took place at the U.T.A.C. Mortefontaine testing facility near Paris, with Hero showcasing the Hunk 440 alongside dealer and industry-representative sessions.
The Hunk 440, positioned in the A2 licence category common in Europe, boasts a 440-cc engine generating 27 bhp and 36 Nm of torque, dual-channel ABS, USD KYB front forks, a full-digital TFT display with navigation capability, and LED lighting.
It will be offered in two color variants — Twilight Blue and Phantom Black — at a starting price of €3,599 (including VAT).
According to Hero’s Executive Vice-President Sanjay Bhan, the French launch represents a “milestone in our journey of global expansion”, building on its presence across Italy, Spain and the UK.
GD France’s CEO Ghislain Guiot remarked that the partnership is designed to provide French riders a “unique combination of technology and value” underpinned by a robust after-sales network.
In France, the distribution arrangement between Hero and GD France includes the establishment of more than 30 sales and service outlets initially, with a plan to expand to over 50 dealerships by 2026 and full network deployment by 2028.
Hero is also offering an extended promotional warranty: a standard three-year warranty plus an additional two years under a launch offer, effectively giving up to five years of warranty coverage for customers in the French market.
The move into France is part of Hero’s broader strategy to strengthen its foothold in European markets.
Analysts note that by entering developed markets with Euro 5+-compliant machines and a clearly defined dealer-network strategy, the company is aiming to shift its narrative from value-focused commuter bikes into more performance-oriented segments.
While the French market entry focuses on one model initially, the expectation is that Hero will gradually expand its range and deepen its presence.
From Hero’s perspective, the expansion into France comes at a time when growth in its traditional domestic markets is being tempered by cost pressures and intense competition.
Penetrating Europe offers not only higher margin opportunities but also brand-elevation potential. For GD France, the alliance gives them access to a global two-wheeler leader looking to scale in developed markets.
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