- Strongest growth in Romania (up 60.7 percent), Poland (up 52.6 percent) and the United Kingdom (up 39.4 percent)
- Declines in Italy (down 3.9 percent) and France (down 15.3 percent)
- Press conference at EICMA on Tuesday, November 3, at 11:45 a.m. in Hall 22, Stand 195
2026 is a special year for Indian Motorcycle. The brand is celebrating its 125th anniversary and has been an independent company without its former parent Polaris since early February. Now the manufacturer has released its first figures showing how sales in Europe have developed since then. The picture is mostly positive, but not uniform. While markets in Eastern and Central Europe are growing significantly, Indian is losing ground in France and Italy. The show in Milan is now expected to reveal what comes next.
How have Indian Motorcycle sales developed in Europe?
Indian Motorcycle has increased its sales in seven of its ten most important European markets. The basis is a year-on-year comparison through the end of August 2026.
According to the manufacturer, the top 10 markets developed as follows:
- Romania: up 60.7 percent
- Poland: up 52.6 percent
- United Kingdom: up 39.4 percent
- Czech Republic: up 20.1 percent
- Spain: up 14.0 percent
- Germany: up 11.1 percent
- Sweden: up 7.9 percent
- Switzerland: unchanged
- Italy: down 3.9 percent
- France: down 15.3 percent
Important for context: Indian only compares its current model lineup with the previous year. Models that are no longer offered are therefore not included in the calculation. The company does not disclose absolute unit numbers. The percentages therefore say nothing about how many motorcycles were actually sold in each country. A high increase in a smaller market such as Romania may be based on comparatively few vehicles.
Why is Indian selling more motorcycles in Germany?
Indian Motorcycle sold 11.1 percent more in Germany through the end of August than in the same period last year. This puts the German market in the middle of the European top 10.
The manufacturer does not give reasons for the development in individual countries. What is clear, however, is where Indian is placing its focus. CEO Mike Kennedy explained shortly after the change of ownership that the brand wants to concentrate on cruisers, baggers and tourers. Baggers are large touring motorcycles with fixed side cases. Trikes, i.e. three-wheeled motorcycles, are also set to join the lineup soon. There will not, however, be an affordable entry-level model in the 6,000 to 7,000 US dollar price range (approx. 5,340 to 6,230 euros). Instead, Kennedy points to the Scout Sixty Bobber, which costs 9,999 US dollars (approx. 8,900 euros) in the USA. An adventure touring bike is not planned either, and the FTR has already been discontinued.
According to Kennedy, Indian gained market share in cruisers and tourers in the USA last year, even though the overall on-road motorcycle market there shrank by 6.5 percent. However, Indian’s sales in North America also declined in 2025, by a high single-digit percentage according to the company.
What role does Europe play for Indian after the split from Polaris?
Europe is to remain an important market for Indian Motorcycle even after the change of ownership. Mike Kennedy has announced that efforts in European sales will be stepped up further.
Since February 2026, the company has been majority-owned by the investment firm Carolwood LP. Polaris now holds only a minority stake. According to Kennedy, Indian generates around 500 million US dollars (approx. 445 million euros) in revenue and employs about 900 people. Around 600 dealers sell the brand’s motorcycles worldwide.
Kennedy himself knows the European market. He spent 26 years at Harley-Davidson, where he headed the subsidiary for the United Kingdom and Ireland from 2004 to 2006. In the spring, he explained that the strong focus on production in the USA should not be understood as a retreat from markets abroad. In his words: “But our effort, commercially in Europe, is only going to be intensified, in my opinion.” Shortly afterwards, he met with all European dealers and importers in Spain.
Where will Indian motorcycles be built in the future?
All Indian motorcycles for the global market are to be built at the plant in Spirit Lake in the US state of Iowa in the future. Under Polaris, there were additional production sites in Poland and Vietnam.
Assembly in Vietnam will not continue. According to Kennedy’s statements in February, production in Poland was to continue for about another six months. Engine production is also moving from Osceola, Wisconsin, to Spirit Lake. The plant in Monticello, Minnesota, will continue to cast and machine the aluminum parts for the engines. Components from suppliers in Europe and Asia will continue to be used.
Kennedy justifies the move with capacity utilization. Five production facilities on three continents were each running at only about a third of capacity. That made management complicated and expensive. The consolidation is intended to simplify processes and help the company get back on its feet financially.
What will Indian Motorcycle show at EICMA 2026?
At EICMA, Indian Motorcycle plans to give an overview of its business performance and present the first wave of its new models for the 2027 model year. The press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, at 11:45 a.m. in Hall 22 at Stand 195.
The manufacturer has not named any specific models in advance. This puts Indian among the brands using the Milan show to preview the 2027 model year. Mike Kennedy says that 2026 honored the brand’s history but, above all, moved it forward as an independent company. In his words, 2027 is set to be an exciting year in which Indian wants to expand its lineup and further improve its relationships with dealers and customers.
The first new model under the new owner was the Chief Vintage. It picks up the look of the Chief from the 1940s. Kennedy already announced in the spring that further models will follow, including trikes.
How did Indian win the 2026 King of the Baggers?
Indian’s factory team, the so-called Wrecking Crew, won the 2026 King of the Baggers championship. The US racing series is contested on large touring motorcycles with side cases, and Indian relies on the Challenger.
The title went to Hayden Gillim. He clinched the championship even before the season finale at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. By then, he had won eight of twelve races. Gillim had already become champion with Harley-Davidson in 2023, making him the first rider to win the title for two different manufacturers. Since this season, the team has been run by Vance & Hines, the racing partnership Kennedy arranged shortly after taking office.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When is Indian Motorcycle’s press conference at EICMA?
Indian Motorcycle’s press conference at EICMA takes place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. The venue is Stand 195 in Hall 22. There, the manufacturer plans to present a business report and show its first new models for 2027.
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How strongly is Indian Motorcycle growing in Germany?
Indian Motorcycle achieved an increase of 11.1 percent in Germany through the end of August 2026 compared with the same period last year. Only the current model lineup is compared. The manufacturer does not disclose absolute sales figures.
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In which European countries is Indian Motorcycle losing ground?
Among its ten most important European markets, Indian Motorcycle recorded declines in France and Italy. In France, sales fell by 15.3 percent, in Italy by 3.9 percent. In Switzerland, sales remained unchanged.
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Where are Indian motorcycles built?
In the future, Indian motorcycles are to be built exclusively at the plant in Spirit Lake, Iowa. The previous sites in Poland and Vietnam are being given up. The aluminum parts for the engines are made in Monticello, Minnesota.
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Who owns Indian Motorcycle?
Since February 2026, Indian Motorcycle has been majority-owned by the investment firm Carolwood LP. Polaris now holds only a minority stake. The company is led by CEO Mike Kennedy, who worked for Harley-Davidson for many years.
