Royal Enfield (RE) are the manufacturers of the renowned range of Bullet motorcycles, and a part of the 1,500 crore Eicher Group are planning to launch two new models by early 2010, which includes a 500cc Bullet Classic C5, currently exported to the US market in order to keep the consistent growth of 15-20 per cent. The heavy weight models of RE that are homologised in Europe and the US to meet their specific rules and regulations connected to emissions and safety, will be tweaked to meet Indian conditions also.

RE, based at Chennai will also be increasing its annual production capacity from 44,000 units to 60,000 units (per annum) by next year. An investment worth Rs 25 crore is done in the proposed launches and output enhancement. The homegrown heavyweight bike maker is exploring the feasibility for launching the two bikes with two different engines, twinspark 350cc and above with EFI technology is also known. The company has still kept it a mystery that, whether the new models would be catering to the domestic or the overseas markets. 

Despite of providing services for the domestic market, RE is receiving orders from a number of countries like UK, Germany and the US. Nations like Australia, France, Italy and Japan also want to import the company's motorcycles. The company has plans to expand and export its vehicles to the South American countries (including Canada), Russia, Sweden, Norway, Israel and Belgium on the back of better margins secured in the export business, in order to increase its exports share to 10% of overall sales from the current 6 per cent. 

The Royal Enfield has its aim to expand its business in the US market especially in California (the biggest market in the US) and is also meeting most stringent emission norms. Number of changes is seen in the models of the company. Recently, Royal Enfield Thunderbird is equipped with a UCE (unit construction engine) with integrated gear box, which reduces the metal wear and tear. Bullet G5 Classic (EFI), Bullet G5 Military and Bullet 500 Deluxe are the popular models sold in the US. 

Royal Enfield is planning to launch two more models except the 500cc bike in the domestic market, are expected to be based on the unit construction engine-electric fuel injection platform (UCE EFI) which exists on the Thunderbird model. Thunderbird rocks the metros with its highest popularity while Electra is the best performer in the non-metros.

Best Selling Royal Enfield Bikes in India
Royal Enfield Bullet 350
Royal Enfield Bullet Electra
Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 5S
Royal Enfield Thunderbird SelfStart
Royal Enfield Thunderbird KickStart
Royal Enfield Bullet Machismo
Royal Enfield Bullet Machismo 500

Related News:
Royal Enfield increases 35% capacity, launching 2 bikes
Royal Enfield connects with its loyal customers in Jalandar
Eicher to increase prices of Royal Enfield models
Tamil Nadu to retain auto manufacturing leadership in India

Related Books:
Royal Enfield: The Complete Story
Royal Enfield Big Twins 1953-1970 Limited Edition Extra
Royal Enfield 250s 1956-1967 Limited Edition Extra

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Posted by Naresh Koshti on 4 July, 2009 5:57:21 PM IST #