650 Twins will allow the company to grow globally in the next 5-10 years.
In recent statements, Royal Enfield talked about how the 650 Twin motorcycles – the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650, are designed to work in the global market and not just in India.
While India is currently the largest market for the Royal Enfield brand, the company stated that there is still lack in the world for a true middle-weight bike in this segment.
While globally, modern classics are available, they are significantly higher priced and have high capacity engines. Thus Royal Enfield has designed the 650 Twins because of the opportunity for growth in this segment. This will further allow the company to stand tall at a global platform in 5-10 years, explained the company.
The Interceptor 650 has been inspired by the modern-roadster and is designed with a retro feel to it. The Continental GT 650 is designed to look and feel like a neo-classic café racer.
Both motorcycles use the same chassis, are powered by the same and engine and employ the same suspension and wheels. What distinguishes them from each other is the design and the feel of the ride.
Even if the company claims that the 650 Twins are global products, they will try their best to keep manufacturing within their Chennai plant. The company claimed that even if they were to move abroad for manufacturing, it would be because of the tax perspective.
In such a situation, the most they will go for is minimum completely-knocked-down (CKD) units. Royal Enfield also mentioned how they will not be providing cost-based variants, since that goes against the idea of the 650 Twins. The only parts that may vary will be to align with each country’s emission and lighting norms.
Royal Enfield Global Company
– Designed to suit the global need for middle-weight motorcycles
– Royal Enfield looking to become a global company in 5-10 years
– Royal Enfield looking to keep further production in Chennai
Source – DNAIndia.com