Royal Enfield, a British motorcycle maker, is rapidly expanding its business in Asia. Asia is said to be the largest market for motorbikes in the world.
Royal Enfield is one of the oldest motorbike manufacturers in the world and has been owned by India's Iker Group since 1994, which has sold a large number of these bikes in the local market.
Now the company aims to go to other Asian countries besides India and in this regard it has announced to set up a factory in Thailand.
Vinod Dasari, chief executive of Royal Enfield, told the BBC that Asian customers were impressed with the design and history of their company's bikes.
"Royal Enfield produces very good quality motorbikes compared to other motorbikes but the price is not very high and our motorbikes are not only for use in India but all over the world," he said. Are for
The factory, to be built in Thailand, is expected to be operational in the next 12 months and will be the company's largest factory outside India, enabling it to operate in the Far East, including Vietnam, Malaysia and China Bikes will be sold.
Vinod Dasari plans to introduce a new motorbike at the beginning of each quarter, in the next three to five years.
"The Asia-Pacific region is very important to our market and our buyers here always expect something better."
The popularity of motorbikes in Asia has been a tradition. India is the largest market for motorbikes in the world, followed by Thailand, Indonesia and then Vietnam.
One of the reasons for the popularity of motorbikes in the countries of the region is that the roads here are slightly narrower and motorbikes are very useful to avoid traffic in big cities.
Royal Enfield's motorbikes range from 250 to 750 cc and sales in Asia increased by 88% last year.
But while Royal Enfield gained popularity, not every motorbike company had such success.
American company Harley Davidson has recently announced to close its business in India.
Transport expert Vivek Vidya says Harley-Davidson's motorbikes were "unsuitable" for India.
"Their speed and volume and traffic in India were not enough for the company's motorbikes to run safely. They tried to reduce the engine power of motorbikes, but this was not the company's specialty, and then in low-powered motorbikes they encountered Royal Enfield, which they could not do.
Royal Enfield's motorbikes, on the other hand, are tailored to the needs of consumers in the region.
Motor sports consultant Scott Lakites says people buy Royal Enfield motorbikes because they are so easy to use and their design is so attractive.
According to Vinod Dasari, head of the company, the history and heritage of Royal Enfield draws customers to the company.
We're not just selling a motorbike, we're selling a memorable experience. "
Next year will mark the 120th anniversary of the first Royal Enfield-made motorbike, but due to the Code 19 epidemic in India, the company has not made it clear if it has any plans to hold an event in this regard.
But as far as the increase in sales of motorbikes in Asia is concerned, experts say it will continue.
Commenting on this, transport expert Vivek Vidya said, "The general impression is that the corona virus will reduce the use of public transport and people will use motorbikes to get around, especially in rural areas."
