Beyond the shift from petrol to EVs, the company is also weighing the balance between growth and profitability, focusing more on enduring long-term development instead of momentary quarterly profit fluctuations.
Royal Enfield, famous in the motorcycle arena, is reshaping its identity. Despite its 122-year legacy in the industry, the company aims to demonstrate the dynamism of a startup, particularly in the mid-weight motorcycle sector.
CEO B Govindarajan expressed this transformative phase as “Royal Enfield 3.0”, highlighting the blend of rich heritage with a fresh approach. As part of this revamped strategy, the brand has marked 2025 with its inaugural electric vehicles (EVs) launch. Royal Enfield is strengthening its dominant position in India and selectively expanding overseas markets.
Govindrajan revealed the company’s efforts in the EV venture by onboarding 11-12 new suppliers and enhancing their software. The firm also welcomed Mario Alvisi, previously associated with Ducati, as the chief growth officer for its EV operations. Distinctly, unlike some counterparts, Royal Enfield is self-reliant in financing its EV ambitions, as affirmed by Siddhartha Lal, MD, Eicher Motors.
Lal emphasized the company’s focus on sustainable growth rather than momentary profits. He noted the company’s track record, mentioning the expansion of the mid-size motorcycle market from 50,000 to 900,000 units within a decade. Royal Enfield is geared up with a series of fresh introductions with an outlook to double this in the coming years.
Royal Enfield’s 60-acre plot in Cheyyar will play a pivotal role in capacity enhancements, aiming for an optimal capacity of 10,000 units monthly for each new platform.
On the global front, Royal Enfield is making remarkable strides. As Lal shared, the brand is leading in the UK and Korea, ranking prominently in nations like Thailand, Austria, France, and Italy. The company’s plants produce a motorcycle in Chennai every 38 seconds, with 100,000 units exported last year.
The brand also assembles bikes in five international markets. While emerging markets remain a target for commuter bike transitions, developed regions are in focus for profitability, branding, and catering to older consumers switching to mid-weight motorcycles. With the global mid-weight market boasting 1 million units, Royal Enfield is determined to seize a significant share.