Royal Enfield 650 sales are growing steadily. Monthly sales crossed 1k units for the first time in Jan 2019, when a total of 1,069 units were sold. In comparison, Nov 2018 saw sales at 325 units while in Dec 2018 sales were at 1,069 units.
These numbers do not include export figures. RE has stated that the production capacity of 650 Twins as of today is at 2,000 to 2,500 units. But by end of March 2019, production will be increased to 4,500 to 5,000 units. This is being done so as to meet growing demand for the 650 Twins.
It is the Interceptor 650 which is seeing more demand, as compared to Continental GT 650. Both bikes are manufactured at the company plant in Oragadam, Chennai. Both boast of distinctive styling and appeal to different set of buyers. The Interceptor 650 is a modern classic roadster while the Continental GT 650 gets café racer styling.
The RE 650 Twins also share the same engine specifications. The 650cc parallel twin engine offers 47 bhp power at 7,100 rpm and 52 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm mated to a 6 speed gearbox. Top speed is at 160 kmph while the two bikes are offered with 3 year/ 40,000 km warranty along with road side assistance for the same period.
Royal Enfield has been facing issues with production due to workers strike in recent months. Certain number of workers have gone on strike once again. As per a report, RE has suffered a production loss of 3,000 units, and counting. They have now issued a release, which can be seen below. (we have translated the release in English).
There has been employee strike which the management deems to be illegal. This is a notice which announces that most of the employees on this strike has signed an undertaking letter and returned to job on 23rd feb. While the management welcomes the employees decision to call off the strike and resume work, it says it wont tolerate such moves by the employees in the future. It also specifies certain grown rules for behaviour in the future. And they are,
1. Shouldn’t slow down the work deliberately, shouldn’t have an unlawful assembly and shouldn’t be missing from work place without prior permission.
2. Shouldn’t try to gather support for an unlawful activity from fellow workers at any cost and shouldn’t hamper their productivity. Shouldn’t mislead the trainees by saying incorrect things about the company and its operations.
3. Shouldn’t deliberately create problems in transport or canteen services. If you have grievances, approach the concerned officer for complaint.
4. In no situation should employees cause damage to company property or equipment.
5. As notified several times on previous occasions, if you need to have a discussion do it through collaborative forum, your managers or through HRs. No other approaches should be used.
Our organisation is focused on uniting and succeeding together. Let’s work towards this goal.
This confirms that there had been an employee strike, but doesn’t give the reason, context, location (two units in Chennai), and the extent of involvement of work force in the strike (partial or full, union driven or random agitation).