Fabulous and Beyond Motors India (FAB Motors), a recently-floated subsidiary of Hyderabad-based, over Rs 600-crore diversified business group Fabulous and Beyond Enterprises, is in the process of setting up a production facility on the outskirts of Hyderabad to manufacture Regal Raptor motorcycles.
FAB Motors had in October 2014 entered into an agreement with Regal Raptor, a US-based, 25-year-old motorcycle brand with a production unit in Shanghai, to manufacture and distribute the latter’s line-up in nine countries, including in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Yemen.
“Work on the manufacturing plant will begin in a couple of months. Phase-I of the project, which will churn out 500 bikes per shift a month, is expected to commence in a year from now,” said MG Shahriq, managing director of FAB Motors.
Speaking to Business Standard on the sidelines of the Hyderabad International Auto Expo in Hyderabad on Friday, Shahriq said the Regal Raptor production facility would involve an incremental investment of Rs 1,000 crore over the next four years.
A portion of the investment requirement would be borne by Regal Raptor, while FAB would tie up with banks for the remaining, he said, while declining to share the investment ratio between the two companies.
“The proposed plant will create direct and indirect employment to over 25,000. We will increase the production capacity depending on the demand from the markets, in a phased-manner,” Shahriq said.
Regal Raptors, which sells in over 39 countries, is setting foot in India with the launch of its first showroom in Hyderabad in the next couple of weeks. The showroom will offer the entire line-up of Regal Raptor, including Bobber, Daytona 350 and DD 350E 9B. With engine displacements of between 350 cc and 1,800 cc, these bikes are priced between Rs 2.9 lakh and Rs 20 lakh.
“Initially, FAB will import Regal Raptor motorcycles in completely knocked down (CKD) condition and assemble them in Hyderabad, till the manufacturing plant is ready,” Shahriq said, adding that the company was planning to open 90 Regal Raptor showrooms across the country during this calendar.
Honda launches 2 new products
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) launched two new two-wheelers -- CB Unicorn 160 and Activa 3G – at the auto expo today.
“In FY2015-16, Honda is taking the next big leap of business expansion. These are the first two products of the 15 new models announced for 2015 by Honda,” said Yadvinder S Guleria, vice-president (sales and marketing) of HMSI.
Launched in the Telangana market, CB Unicorn 160 is priced between Rs 74,880 and Rs 80,228, while Active 3G is priced at Rs 51, 365 (ex-showroom, Hyderabad).
