UML, the newly founded JV between Miami-based UM motorcycles and Lohia Auto Industries, has officially confirmed the launch of an all-new 400 cc cruiser motorcycle in India by the second quarter of 2015. In addition, UML also plans to appoint 75 dealers across 50 cities in India by July 2015.
With a plan to invest around Rs 120 crore over a definite period of time, production, for now, will commence at Lohia Auto’s current manufacturing facility located at Kashipur, Uttarakhand for local operations.
The upcoming motorcycle, an all-new, India-specific build (for now), promises to deliver on safety, and will feature disc brakes all around, apart from ABS. On launch, two variants based on the same 400 cc engine will be available, with a new model to be added in the range every six months.
The engine will also be lined up for exports to UM’s overseas facilities. The Indian manufacturing facility is also poised to become UM’s global hub for higher-displacement engines, which are to follow soon thereafter. However, the company doesn’t intend to plan anything beyond 500 cc.