Royal Enfield has reached a significant milestone as it completes 125 years of operations, transforming from a British invention to a globally dominant Indian motorcycle manufacturer. According to reports from Business Standard, the brand was invented in 1901 in Britain and found its home in Chennai around 70 years later. The company has evolved from near-shutdown conditions in the early 2000s to becoming the number one mid-size motorcycle brand globally, with over 87% market share in India and 9% share of the global mid-size segment. As reported by Business Standard, Executive Chairman Siddhartha Lal noted that when Royal Enfield turned 100, the company was struggling for survival, but today it stands as the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in continuous production.
Royal Enfield's international growth has been remarkable, with export volumes zooming from 6,221 units in FY15 to 120,634 units in FY26, representing an 18-fold increase. According to Business Standard, sales grew three-fold to reach a new peak of 1.23 million units during this period, achieving in one year what the brand sold in its entire first century of existence. The company now operates 1,212 stores across over 80 countries with seven completely knocked down manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh, Nepal, Brazil, Thailand, Argentina and Colombia. As reported by Business Standard, Brazil has emerged as a particularly successful market, with the company selling more than 35,000 motorcycles in FY26, registering 71% year-on-year growth and becoming the second-largest market for Royal Enfield.
The brand's revival was led by Siddhartha Lal, who took charge as managing director in 2006-07 and is now Executive Chairman of Eicher Motors Ltd. According to Business Standard, he was credited with launching the reliable Classic 350 and creating a cult around the brand. The turnaround involved cutting non-core losses, fixing mechanical flaws, and modernising engines while retaining vintage appeal. In August 2015, Lal relocated from Delhi to London to oversee global expansion, having already increased sales from 28,361 units to 302,592 units between 2004 and 2014. As reported by Business Standard, Lal stated that the success came by staying close to riders, making clear choices, and following their own path even when it looked unfashionable.
Royal Enfield's manufacturing capabilities have expanded significantly, with the company adding Brazil as its second home market after India. According to Business Standard, the company has doubled its dealership network in Brazil to 55 stores over the past two years and plans to operate a wholly-owned assembly facility in 2027. The company also reportedly considers manufacturing in Indonesia to tap one of Asia's largest two-wheeler markets. CEO Balakrishnan Govindarajan noted that every fourth motorcycle the company ships is targeted at Brazil, with the retail volume in the Brazilian market having tripled over three years. The growth is supported by a diverse portfolio including the Super Meteor 650, Himalayan 450, Hunter 350, Classic 350 and Meteor 350.
