Ex-Triumph MD could be a strategic hire for Royal Enfield before the 650 cc launch

11/08/2018 - 12:48 | ,  ,   | Ajinkya Lad

A report from Autocar Professional says that Ex-Triumph India – MD, Vimal Sumbly, will join Royal Enfield on his next assignment. On 4 August, Sumbly resigned from the position of Managing Director – Triumph Motorcycles India.

Vimal Sumbly, MD with the customised Triumph Bonneville at IBW 2015
Vimal Sumbly has taken Triumph Motorcycles to a formidable position in India.

However, neither Vimal Sumbly nor Royal Enfield confirm this development. That said, Sumbly is expected to assume a senior leadership role in the sales and Marketing vertical of Royal Enfield, reports Autocar Professional. Earlier this month, Triumph Motorcycles India confirmed the departure of Mr. Sumbly from the company. A source close to Autocar Professional revealed, -

Vimal Sumbly is heading to Royal Enfield, and he will take up the role in the sales and marketing domain. Having worked for Bajaj Auto in the past, and is known for setting up the India operations for UK’s Triumph Motorcycles, Sumbly brings to the table his expertise in driving sales for the premium motorcycle range. Not to forget, he had established Triumph’s foothold in India when Harley-Davidson already had a solid presence in the premium motorcycle category. It could be logically understood that Royal Enfield looks at the strategic hiring of Sumbly just before the rollout of its premium 650cc twins.

According to the publication, he will report to Shaji Koshy, Head - India Business for Royal Enfield. The source adds that Koshy is approaching retirement age, and the company’s senior leadership eyes an experienced person to handle sales and marketing operations for Royal Enfield. The move is also looked at a way to strengthen the company’s management before the launch of the 650 twins.

Vimal Sumbly is known for successfully establishing Triumph Motorcycles India by launching various initiatives like rides and off-road activities like setting up the Triumph Tiger Training Academy.

Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
The Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 are likely to launch in India by year-end.

Also Read: Bajaj-Triumph likely to finalize an agreement within a few weeks - Report

As a reminder, Royal Enfield is focusing its energies on the launch of the 650 twins, which is likely to come before the end of this year. The company will open bookings for the Royal Enfield 650 twins in Q3 2018. The motorcycles employ a 648 cc, twin-cylinder, 8-valve, liquid-cooled, SOHC motor with fuel injection that comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox, with a slip and assist clutch. The engine is capable of generating 47 bhp of maximum power at 7,100 rpm and 52 Nm of peak torque at 5,250 rpm.

[Source: Autocarpro.in]

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