In the coming years, the premium helmet industry is expected to expand significantly, and Steelbird is primarily counting on huge volumes from this sector. In a recent interview with car and bike, Rajeev Kapur, Managing Director of Steelbird Hi-Tech India, stated that by 2025, the luxury helmet market (above Rs. 5,000) is expected to rise by 20–25%. According to him, over the next couple of years, volumes in this market would expand due to rising premium motorbike demand and improved awareness of two-wheeler safety.
By 2025, high-end helmet demand will account for around 20% of the market, according to Kapur. The sector of Rs. 5,000 and higher is that. Five people are now in need. The current demand is about five percent for premium helmets. Currently, between Rs. 3,000-5,000 helmets retail about 500,000 units, increasing to two million after 2025.”
The Steelbird India boss further explained that the demand for premium motorcycles had been a huge factor in the growing demand for premium helmets. Customers are now making more informed purchases while riding in groups and word of mouth also helps with the overall awareness of premium helmet sales. Steelbird makes ISI-certified helmets and retails products that meet DOT and ECE 22 06 standards for the US and European markets.
In India, enforcement remains a larger concern despite Section 138 of the Motor Vehicle Act mandating the wearing of helmets for both the rider and pillion. The helmets need to meet the ISI standards of build issued by BIS. With law enforcement finally putting these rules into play, Steelbird is expecting a massive surge in demand.
The Indian market currently contributes 95 percent to the company’s overall volumes. Meanwhile, about 5 percent of its business comprises exports. The brand expects the number to increase to 10 percent by the end of this fiscal. The company manufactures products for the European helmet brand Blauer, also sold in India. The product range is priced from Rs. 9,000 onwards for half-face helmets.
95% of the company’s total volumes come from the Indian market. Meanwhile, exports make up around 5% of its revenue. By the conclusion of the current fiscal year, the brand anticipates that the percentage will reach 10%. The business produces goods for the Indian market and the European helmet firm Blauer. Half-face helmets are priced starting at Rs. 9,000 in the product range.
Steelbird is establishing independent retail locations to meet the anticipated demand for high-end helmets.
One hundred of these stores presently exist for the company, and according to Kapur, 1,000 showrooms are the goal for the following three years.
The shops will sell whole riding outfits, including helmets, gloves, balaclavas, and other accessories.
While the riding jackets haven’t been as successful a business as the corporation had intended, the company has experienced greater traction with goods like gloves and balaclavas.
The emphasis will then be on such rapidly changing offers.
According to Kapur, the overseas brands are more successful with coats, but we are more successful with gloves.
The emphasis will be on high-end helmets priced between Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 10,000 during the upcoming year. Additionally, the business intends to increase the selection of Blauer helmets and will soon offer full-face models from the prestigious producer. These helmets are produced in India following ECE 22 06 standards and supplied to established countries like Europe. Full-face, flip-up, open face, fiber-glass, and more styles will be available in the new Blauer line.
Steelbird now produces 20,000 helmets daily out of a daily manufacturing capacity of 40,000. The business can certainly accommodate the rising demand, and it is placing a significant bet on the sales of high-end motorbike offers to further its expansion.
