UM International to launch two models to take on Royal Enfield

American motorcycle brand UM International is gearing up to give a tough time to take on the decades-old dominance of Royal Enfield with the launch of its two mid-segment premium bikes this week.

The Florida-based company will be commercially launching its maiden models, the Renegade Commando and Renegade Sports, both in the 300-cc segment, at a price of Rs 1.49 lakh and Rs 1.59 lakh, respectively (ex-showroom Delhi).

"We will begin delivery of 3,000 bikes (Renegade Commando and Renegade Sports) from the third week of August," UM India director Rajeev Mishra told PTI.

Mishra, who also looks after UM's Asia, Middle-East and Africa businesses, did not give a model break-up of 3,000 bookings that the company has received since these bikes were showcased at the auto Expo 2016 in Delhi earlier this year.

UM International, founded by Octavio Villegas Llano entered the bike segment in early 2000, and forayed into the domestic market in 2013.

In September 2014, it tied up with Delhi-based Lohia Auto Industries which has a plant in Uttarakhand to launch UM Lohia two-wheelers.

Since then, they have launched a 50:50 joint venture to manufacture the UM brand of motorcycles at a facility in Kashipur in the Himalayan state.

The US company has invested Rs 100 crore in the plant apart from technology, and can roll out 50,000 bikes now, Mishra said.

"The capacity can be scaled up to 1 lakh units per annum as and when the demand picks up," he added.

UM has already set up 50 dealers across the country, Mishra said, adding that already the bikes are at 37 of these dealers.

Sounding bullish about the market, which is dominated by Royal Enfiled, which has been unable to meet the demand, Mishra said their third model the 300-cc Commando Classic is ready for launch by Diwali and will be priced at Rs 1.79 lakh.

"We will have two more models in this financial year-one in the 200-cc and the other in the 400-cc category," Mishra said.

When asked about localisation of the parts, he said only 30% are imports while the company is working on 100% local sourcing at the earliest.

UM bikes come in 1-cylinder 4-valve engines and can attain a speed of 135 kmph, offering 32 kmpl mileage and are marginally lighter than Enfield bikes with the kerb weight being 172 kg.

Known for crafting quality bikes that not only ride but conquer the road, UM has established itself a leader in bikes that have changed the dynamics of riding in over 30 countries spanning across the continents.

Set up in 2008, Lohia Auto has carved a niche in electric scooters.