Royal Enfield’s 1 Million Year: “A Progressive Step in Our Global Journey”:  B. Govindarajan

Even as it prepares for its first electric motorcycle launch in early 2026, Royal Enfield delivered one of its strongest-ever performances in FY25, crossing the one million mark in annual sales and expanding its global footprint through new manufacturing hubs in Southeast Asia.

The iconic mid-size motorcycle brand sold 1,002,893 units in FY25, registering a 10% year-on-year growth. This included 280,801 units in Q4 alone, marking a robust 23.2% growth for the quarter. For Royal Enfield, it was a year of volume milestones and a period of strategic shifts spanning product expansion, export acceleration, and EV readiness.

“We had one of our best years ever in maintaining our leadership in the premium motorcycle segment,” said B. Govindarajan, Managing Director of Eicher Motors. “We sold more than 1 million units for the first time in Royal Enfield’s history.”

A Busy Year of Launches
FY25 saw Royal Enfield roll out six new motorcycles, underscoring its commitment to meet evolving consumer expectations across varied riding styles. Two of the most notable additions were the Bear 650, expanding the brand’s twin-cylinder cruiser appeal, and the Gorilla 450, built on the new Sherpa engine platform.

“The Bear 650 brought a whole new expression of our twin-cylinder lineup, while the Gorilla 450 introduced a fresh take on urban agility and adventure,” said Govindarajan.

Complementing these were three new variants under the Classic banner—the Classic 650, Goan Classic 350, and Classic 350 12—cementing Royal Enfield’s design-driven retro appeal.

Exports Power Global Growth
While the domestic market remained a core contributor, exports saw sharper momentum, rising 29.7% year-on-year. The brand continues to gain ground in key markets such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea, where it now ranks among the top players in the mid-size segment.

Royal Enfield also made strategic moves to strengthen its global supply chain and assembly operations. It inaugurated its first wholly owned CKD plant outside India in Thailand and began operations at a new manufacturing and flagship retail facility in Bangladesh.

“This is a clear indication that our global ambitions are being realized,” Govindarajan remarked.

Domestic Expansion and Backend Investment
In India, Royal Enfield sold 989,277 units, an 8.8% increase year over year. While competition in the premium and mid-size segments intensifies, the company’s classic and adventure lineups retain consumer interest.

Royal Enfield enhanced its backend capabilities to support its growing scale by opening a new spares warehouse in Mumbai, supplementing existing hubs in Chandigarh and Kolkata.

Electric Ambitions Taking Shape
FY25 also marked the brand’s formal entry into the electric space, though at a concept level. Royal Enfield showcased two prototype models—FF C6 and FF S6—under its Flying Flea electric motorcycle program. These models drew significant interest from the global enthusiast community.

“We made a big move in electric… and received very strong interest from the global motorcycling community,” said Govindarajan. “We are officially on track to launch our electric motorcycles in early 2026.”

While EV traction in the premium leisure segment is still untested, Royal Enfield’s move reflects its intent to future-proof the brand, without straying too far from its legacy.

The JD Power Initial Quality Study ranked Royal Enfield as the best motorcycle brand for initial quality, validating its recent manufacturing and customer service efforts.

As it enters FY26, Royal Enfield’s operational foundation appears stronger, backed by scale, product diversity, and a broader global footprint. The brand has successfully navigated FY25 with sustained volume growth and improving export traction, while early steps in electrification reflect its intent to align with evolving market trends.

However, the road ahead is not without challenges. Competition in the mid-size and premium motorcycle segments intensifies, and expectations around EV rollout, international execution, and manufacturing consistency remain high. The real test in FY26 will be how effectively Royal Enfield converts its scale and brand equity into sustainable global growth while staying relevant to traditional and next-generation motorcycling customers.

(With inputs from Ketan Thakkar)