[mattb]

Really? http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/18/indias-legendary-royal-enfield-motorcycle-to-expand-production-to-uk

[ace.cafe]

Maybe they will build the new Interceptor MkIII twin in England?

[DanKearney]

Related:


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/11420576/India-speeds-up-Royal-Enfield-production-to-meet-booming-demand-in-pics.html


Cheers,

Dan K.

[singhg5]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/11420576/India-speeds-up-Royal-Enfield-production-to-meet-booming-demand-in-pics.html

Is it a good idea to expand production at an exponential rate from 50K to 300K, heading towards 500K per annum in a very short time with multiple factories ? Could this be a bubble, that will burst ?

IMO, RE needs to improve quality and consistency in production AND service department. Having properly trained repair men, technicians, dealers, mechanics, easy availability of spare parts is the main complaint of RE buyers in India as well as outside India. Imbalanced crank and handlebar vibrations have never been completely addressed - except some lucky ones who do not face this issue. That is why nuts and bolts keep loosening on many bikes. Parts falling off the frame is more common than it ought to be. There are other long running common issues, which annoy the buyers. This inspite of starting the new factory. Though these bikes are generally much better than they used to be a few years ago.

RE is not at par with other international brands if it wants to compete with them.

In a race to produce more, their focus has diverted away from quality. That will create bad reputation, and will not be good for the company in the long run. 

[Kevin Mahoney]

TheUK thing is just a design studio type of deal. Probably good they moved it to the UK to get more of a global view of performance and design

[dginfw]

TheUK thing is just a design studio type of deal. Probably good they moved it to the UK to get more of a global view of performance and design

They shoulda done that before they changed the logo 

[mattb]

And more twin speculation http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/royal-enfield-parallel-twin-coming-next-year/26302.html

I might have to sell my Kwaka W650....

[singhg5]

Sidharth Lal CEO of RE must have a reason for starting a research center in UK for the development of engines for RE.

I have slightly different view. RE should have hired the same people from UK and make an engine design research center in India, close to Chennai factory. British designers could lead the way for making the center, buying instruments, computers and other equipment whatever they need. Create a good atmosphere for them to work there. Give them a few local bright engineers as well for assistance. This would have created lots of new avenues.

I don't think there is a real engine design center, knowledge base or experience in this field in India. By starting one, in a few years it would be a huge asset to local automotive industry. Being close to the factory, they could get a quick feedback. This would also have helped local engineers to learn the art and science of engine management and design. The whole atmosphere in that part of the world would have improved, because they will be forced to change to new international standards. This would have created a new, though small, but progressive industrial hub for future contribution. It may even be less expensive. Above all this would lead the way for starting and working in a new way there.

Other advantage would be that after it has been established, the same place could be used for collaboration with engine designers from other countries as well. Just as RE has hired Rob Copes (ex-Harley) and Pierre Terblanche (ex-Ducati), there are many expats in various industries in India.

Mr. Lal would have done something that only pioneers do. He had the opportunity, financial means, and everything in his favor to do that. The time has long been overdue to do creative work and thinking in Chennai - and not just be an assembly plant. 

[GSS]

TheUK thing is just a design studio type of deal. Probably good they moved it to the UK to get more of a global view of performance and design

It is a good marketing move as well.....gives RE a modern British connection.

[crock]

It certainly would be a major plus for India to do the engine design and development work in Chennai. The technology is not that complicated and is relatively easy to teach. Like most things in mechanical engineering, 10% of the work is conceptual, and 90% is just getting everything to fit and get the correct tolerances sorted out! India has so many amazing people just needing a chance, I really want to see them succeed in the international market with their own ideas.

[Ice]

I think the U.K. design studio is a bold and brilliant move.