Polaris bets big on defence, paramilitary forces

MUMBAI: The domestic arm of the US off-road vehicle maker, Polaris Industries, expects 15 per cent of its revenue to come from government agencies, including from the defence and paramilitary forces, in the next three years.


"We feel that about 15 per cent of our India revenue should come from segments like defence, paramilitary forces, and state governments over the next two-three years," Polaris India Managing Director Pankaj Dubey told PTI here.

Dubey said Gujarat government has recently acquired four vehicles as part of a pilot project to patrol its international borders, adding, "we have approached a few other states too to sell our products. Some coastal police have tested these models and have evinced interest."

Polaris manufactures off-roaders, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and electric powered models and those for recereational purposes.

"We have been able to demonstrate our products to the defence and paramilitary forces as well as states. But the deals with these institutions have a long gestation because of the procurement norms," he said.

The demand for off-roaders in the domestic market which is at a nascent stage has been increasing year-on-year, Dubey said, adding, "we are tapping this growing market aggressively with new products, being the first organised player in the segment."

Pegging the market for all-terrain vehicles at around 1,000-1,200 units in 2013, Dubey said, "We have sold around 700 units since our entry two years ago. So far this year, we posted a healthy growth of 25 per cent in sales."

Dubey, however, said growth would have been much higher but for the poor market sentiment.

Polaris does not have a manufacturing base in the country and sells its imported models through 15 dealers.