PRAN-RFL to enter motorcycle industry with Tk 5b investment
Business Desk :
PRAN-RFL Group is set to enter the motorcycle industry with an investment of Tk 5.0 billion in Habiganj, where it will establish a new factory expected to create around 5,000 jobs and boost the local economy.
Giving priority to the young generation, the country’s leading business conglomerate is investing in the production and marketing of its own eco-friendly RYDO electric scooters, alongside the manufacturing and distribution of motorcycles of the popular brand TVS.
The announcement was made at a views exchange meeting held at the group’s headquarters in the capital on Tuesday. To operate in both electric scooters and petrol- and octane-powered motorcycles, the group plans to invest around Tk 5.0 billion over the next three years.
The initiative is expected to generate direct and indirect employment for about 5,000 people. Work on setting up a motorcycle assembly and manufacturing plant at the Habiganj Industrial Park will begin soon.
At the same time, the group will invest in building a modern marketing network and ensuring improved after-sales services. RFL has already started manufacturing and marketing RYDO electric scooters at its Habiganj factory. The company has directly employed around 1,000 people for the production and marketing of both product lines.
Once fully operational, another 1,000 people will be employed, while around 3,000 more jobs will be created indirectly through suppliers, distributors, and service networks.
Regarding the group’s entry into the new business, RFL Group Managing Director RN Paul said, “Today, motorcycles and bicycles are not just modes of transportation for young people; they have become lifestyle products. RFL Group has long been producing and marketing quality bicycles at affordable prices.”
“Using that experience, we have entered the motorcycle and eco-friendly electric scooter market,” he added. PRAN-RFL Group has also received the responsibility of marketing the renowned motorcycle brand TVS in Bangladesh.
Referring to a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two companies, RN Paul said, “TVS was once extremely popular among young people.
Over time, it fell somewhat behind in competition. We will soon begin producing ‘Made in Bangladesh’ TVS motorcycles at our factory.”
“For this, Tk 4.0 billion will be invested in several phases. TVS has promised to support us in building the factory. Through new models, improved braking systems, and better after-sales service, we aim to bring this brand back to the top,” he added.
Mahmudur Rahman, chief operating officer of RFL’s bike business, said marketing of TVS motorcycles through RFL would begin by the end of February, while full-scale production at the Habiganj factory would start within this year.
He added that initially 5,000 units of TVS motorcycles would be produced per month, which would later be doubled through factory expansion. He said RFL is giving special importance to electric scooters, considering them vehicles of the future.
RN Paul said electric scooters are highly popular in countries such as India, China, and Vietnam and Bangladesh also has strong potential demand. However, high prices have limited market growth. “By 2027, we aim to offer high-quality RYDO electric scooters at around Tk 50, 000,” he added.
He also said production and assembly of RYDO electric scooters have already started at the Habiganj Industrial Park with an investment of Tk 500 million. Currently, 20 per cent of components are manufactured locally, and the target is to produce almost all components within the next year with an additional investment of Tk 500 million.
