• Automobiles

Royal Enfield Working on Two New Engine Platforms

Alongside the rumors of having a 400cc displaced engine on the charts, the recent reports from the Royal Enfield reveals much more. The Chennai based two-wheeler division of the Eicher Motors, Royal Enfield, has revealed a bit of information regarding the future plans of the company. As per the sources, the Indian cruiser manufacturer is working on two new engine platforms, which would probably be launching in the coming year, 2016. The under-construction engines would ranges in between 250cc and goes up to 750cc. However, there is no confirmation about the rumored 400cc displaced engine, which was being caught while testing over the Indian tarmac.

Mr. Siddharth Lal, Managing Director and CEO of the Eicher Motors Ltd. say, "We are developing two new engine platforms on which multiple products could be launched. The new products would be in the range of 250 cc and 750 cc and we expect to see products introductions starting next year. We would stick to our core proposition, the bikes would be for international markets, and they would be higher performance bikes but not extreme performance bikes." And, while talking about the total investments, Mr. Lal says that the firm would be investing Rs 500 crores in order to make it happen and for all other activities.

He also added that the firm would be making higher investments for the brand, distribution and for globally relevant products. The investment will help to achieve a good number of sales and global leadership in the mid-size motorcycle category. While talking about the upcoming products, Mr. Lal mentioned that the mid-range machines will be featuring an 'extreme' and 'very sporty' design. The upcoming products would be designed targeting the global market, carrying more power and high-level performance.

The quarter-liter engine would be making its appearance accompanying with twin-cylinders and the 750cc would definitely feature a twin-cylinder configuration. The firm is looking to expand its business as well by manufacturing higher capacity facility, R&D plant and new technology development centres in Chennai and UK. Keeping an eye over the sales figure of the Royal Enfield, the 2014-15 financial year has set a record sales of 92,845 units in its first quarter only.