UM Motorcycles has announced that it is planning to launch its first two-wheeler in India by the second quarter of calendar year of 2015. The American manufacturer will enter the Indian market by introducing mid-segment cruiser motorcycles, with capacities ranging from 300cc to 500cc.
UM Motorcycles made this announcement through a press release, which also revealed its intention of starting with about 50 dealers in the first phase in the first year (CY2015), covering all metro cities across the country. While the company had earlier stated that they were going to start with 200cc to 230cc motorcycles for the Indian market, they are now planning to commence operations beginning with 300cc to 500cc motorcycles.
A couple of months ago, the Indian arm of UM Motorcycles entered into a joint venture agreement with Indian two-wheeler and commercial vehicle manufacturer, Lohia Auto, to manufacture and market its motorcycles in the Indian market. Initially the company will start production of motorcycles at Lohia Auto’s plant in Kashipur, though they have plans to invest over Rs 120 crore to modernise the facility according to their requirements.
UM Motorcycles first showcased its range of Renegade cruiser motorcycles at the Delhi Auto Expo, in February this year. The advent of UM Motorcycles should ring all sorts of warning bells for Royal Enfield, which currently enjoys a monopoly in the 350cc to 500cc cruiser segment.
