US-based motorcycle manufacturer UM International, in attendance at the 2018 Auto Expo with three new models – Renegade Thor, Renegade Duty S and Renegade Duty Ace, plans on setting up a new engine plant in the country. This new engine manufacturing unit could come up close to Hyderabad and will have an annual capacity of 50,000 units.
Juan Villegas, Director UM International LLC, “We are ready to open a new factory in South of India by next year to grow our production base. It will be open by 2019. Most of our market is south and south-west”
The company already has a motorcycle assembly plant in Kashipur, Uttarakhand with annual capacity of 50,000 units. Along with the new engine plant being planned, employment will see an addition of 700 workers taking total employees to 1,200. This new engine plant will help UM localize their products further.
Currently, UM motorcycles are priced in the range of Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. 2017 was their best year, as far as sales are concerned. From their registered 75 dealerships, UM managed to sell over 10,000 motorcycles. The company has high hopes from Indian auto industry, which is growing at an impressive pace. UM aims to increase their sales 30% annually in India. Their mid term plan is to achieve 25% of global sales from India by 2023.
Speaking about upcoming motorcycles from UM, they showcased the new Renegade Thor electric motorcycle at the 2018 Auto Expo. Due for launch later this year, it is the world’s first electric cruiser motorcycle. It is powered by a motor making around 30kW peak power and 70 Nm peak torque.
Charging up to 80% will be possible in 40 minutes and UM Motorcycles is also offering three types of chargers for the Thor. In terms of features it will get anti lock brakes, LED lights and reverse gear. It hits a top speed of 180 kmph and is ideally suited for daily commuting and weekend getaways.
