Royal Enfield to launch two models by March

New Delhi, June 12
Eicher Motors-owned Royal Enfield will leverage on the success of its Thunderbird motorcycle by launching two models based on the same engine platform. Both the motorcycles are expected to be introduced by March 2010. “We will launch two new models by March based on the unit construction engine- electric fuel injection platform (UCE EFI) which exists on our Thunderbird,” Mr Shaji Koshy, Divisional General Manger, Sales and Marketing, told Business Line.
Currently, the 350cc motorcycle Thunderbird is its most popular model in the metros. It sells 600 units monthly. In the non-metros, Bullet Electra – which also has the same engine category – sells about 1,000 units a month. Almost 90 per cent of its sales in the domestic market is through 350cc bikes.
This year, the company is planning to increase its domestic sales by 15 per cent. Last year, it sold about 44,000 units. “We are adding capacity to be able to grow 15 per cent this year,” said Mr Koshy. The company has said that its production capacity at its plant near Chennai will be augmented to 60,000 units by January 2010.

New export markets
The company, which exports 500cc bikes like Bullet Classic EFI, Electra Classic EFI and Electra Classic, also hopes to add four new export markets during the year. It will include countries such as Canada and Israel this year. Last fiscal, its exports stood at 2,250 units across 28 markets.
“We plan to increase exports to 10 per cent of our capacity. Domestic business will be the main focus,” said Mr Koshy.

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Taken from Business Line

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