The Segway, the balancing vehicle with two wheels, is due to be launched in India next month. The battery-operated personal transportation device was invented by American Dean Kamen, and it’s hoped that it could gain a major market in India.

Segway Inc., has joined up with the Bird Group and imports are planned for February. Although Jason Barton, the Vice-President of worldwide sales and marketing at Segway, did not give details of how many Segway’s they expect to sell in India, he will certainly be hoping for higher global sales than those made so far.

It was originally anticipated that the company, now owned by British businessman Jim Heselden, could obtain sales of 40,000 units in the first year of sales. However estimated sales since 2001 have only reached 50,000 so far.

The company plan to import parts for both the Segway X2 and I2 by importing the vehicles in three parts, to be assembled in Gurgaon, in a move to save money on import duties. A price for the product in India has yet to be fixed, although the company will be aware that the cost may well have to cheaper than the usual $4,500 to $5,500 to accommodate the Indian market.

For full details click on this link, livemint.com