Royal Enfield’s most significant recent launch has been not one, but two strokes of luck. Since launch, the RE 650 Twins bore the weight of expectation. It is Royal Enfield’s global attempt to tread into the growing mid cc segment, and for the brand, these are their biggest bikes.
Not just that, they’re proving to be a significant force when it comes to Royal Enfield’s exports. Every now and then Royal Enfield has been able to export more number of 650 Twins, than sold in the domestic market. The same was true last month.
In September 2019, 2,127 units were exported. Domestic sales stood at 1,856 units. In all, the brand sold 3,993 units of 650 Twins last month. As in recent months, export percentage for the 650 twins triumphs domestic sales at 53.52 percent.
Overall, 650 twin sales are lowest in 5 months in September 2019. Part of this can be attributed to domestic slowdown. In fact, September 2019 RE sales (domestic and exports) were down 17 percent to 59,500 units, down from 71,662 units sold in September 2018. Exports were at 4,642 units. 2,137 units were RE 650 twins.
Through H1 FY19-20, there’s rather little to separate domestic sales and exports. For the period ( April – September 2019, 650 twins’ domestic sales are reported at 12,445 units. Exports for the period stands at 12,110 units. For the past 6 months, the company has averaged 4k in 650 Twins monthly production. Total production for the said 6 months are reported at 24,555 units.
Q2 FY19-20 sales were stronger than Q1 FY19-20. Highest monthly unit sales through H1 FY19-20 is reported in August 2019 when unit sales is reported at 4,571 unit. Highest 650 twins’ domestic sales are reported in May 2019 when 2,427 units were sold.
Royal Enfield has shown a design concept (KX Concept – 838 cc) for an even larger market but there’s no timeline as to when a new product will be introduced. With the auto manufacturer’s bread and butter being the 350cc segment, and sales in the core are having contracted significantly, no major changes are expected during the current slowdown.
Royal Enfield immediate next plan is to update their range of Classic, Thunderbird, Bullet and Electra range. This range is set to get a new generation for both 350 cc and 500 cc engine options. Launch is expected to take place early next year. RE will also launch BS6 equipped 650 Twins soon, the same was spied recently on test.
