Royal Enfield isn’t just another homegrown manufacturer anymore as it has already chosen the path which will lead the brand to global domination. In the last couple of months, we have witnessed Royal Enfield making some serious moves in the international markets. The latest one being the commencement of their manufacturing unit in Argentina. The Argentinian roads will now not only witness locally assembled Royal Enfields but they will also get to see their coppers riding on the Himalayan.
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Yes, you read that right as a picture has emerged on the internet where a Royal Enfield Himalayan is seen draped in a new shade of blue with Policia written on its tank.
It is a proud moment for us because not only the Argentinian authorities assisted the brand in opening up the manufacturing unit, they also decided to include the Himalayan in their police fleet. This is not the first time that the Himalayan will serve as a police vehicle as in the past, it did happen in our own country when Royal Enfield got into an association with Bengaluru Police and drafted ‘We for Women’- an all-women police officer’s brigade.
Specifications
The BS6 Himalayan is powered by a 411cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which produces 24.83 PS @ 6500 rpm while the torque is rated at 32 nm. The front suspension is telescopic, with 41mm forks and 200mm travel. The mono-shock rear suspension with linkage allows for 180mm wheel travel. The Himalayan is renowned for its off-road capabilities and a commanding riding position. Its rugged attitude is what makes it an optimum choice for a police vehicle. What if the goons decide to take the trails and go off the road? The Himalayan has your back! On the other hand, the blue livery on the Argentinian Police’s Himalayan does look stunning and that makes us wonder, should Royal Enfield introduce a similar shade to the Indian civilians?
RE’s Latin journey
Royal Enfield recently announced that it will commence local assembly of motorcycles in Argentina in partnership with Grupo Simpa, Royal Enfield’s local distributor in the country since 2018. This is a significant announcement, as this will be the first time in Royal Enfield’s modern history that motorcycles will be assembled and produced outside the company’s manufacturing facilities in Chennai, India. The event for the local assembly announcement was graced by Alberto Fernández, President of Argentina.
Also read: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Becomes highest-selling Middleweight Motorcycle In The UK
Argentina is among the biggest mid-size motorcycle markets in Latin America. Royal Enfield set up retail operations in Argentina in March 2018, with its first store in Vicente Lopez, Buenos Aires. Since then, the company has expanded its retail network in the market and now has 5 exclusive stores in Argentina. Overall, Royal Enfield has 31 exclusive stores and 40 other retail touchpoints in all the Latin American countries. The local assembly unit in Argentina will be based at Grupo Simpa’s facility located in Campana, Buenos Aires. To begin with, the plant will locally assemble three motorcycle models – the Royal Enfield Himalayan, the Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 – starting this month. Brazil, Argentina and Colombia are among the three most important markets for Royal Enfield in Latin America.