Continental GT sales drop almost 50%

Royal Enfield is in a big dilemma on how to increase sales of its flagship model, the Continental GT. Sales of the bike have halved during the first seven months of the year, even as the combined sales of all Royal Enfield products has grown by 51 per cent in the April-November period.

For some of its models like the Classic 350/500 and Thunderbird there has been a substantial increase in sales. But, with the Continental GT it is a different story altogether. It could be because of its steep price, almost twice as much of its main volume product, the Classic 350 or as some owners have reported, due to the uncomfortable ride it offers.

Sales of Continental GT during the April-October 2015 period have closed at 980 units as against 2,035 units sold in the same period a year ago, marking a drop of 52 per cent.Launched in November 2013 the Continental GT is the lightest, fastest, most powerful bike with the biggest engine in the Royal Enfield India line-up. The single-seater, city tourer was meant to appeal to the trendy city buyer looking for a technologically modern machine. It’s stretched out low-profile fuel tank with knee recesses provided the bike with a unique look.

It will be interesting to wait and see what strategy Royal Enfield will deploy to rectify the situation especially since they are almost gearing up to launch their new model the Himalayan.