
LML Limited
LML Ltd. is fast
striding towards its goal of becoming a multi-product two
wheeler company offering superior and more exciting products
in various segments of the two wheeler market. The current
production capacity of around 4,00,000 vehicles per annum
will be enhanced to 7,20,000 two-wheelers annually during
the next 24 months.
The products
offerings come with an all comprehensive package of superior
technology and a riding pleasure beyond compare. The two
wheelers will include Mobikes, Step thrus, 4 Stroke scooters
in both variator and geared transmission and scooterettes
in varied engine capacities. The existing range of 150 cc
scooters and scooterettes have been upgraded during the
past one year of enhance the pleasure of riding. All two
wheelers from the LML stable reaffirm its faith in the mantra
of "STYLE - POWER - PERFORMANCE".
Apart
from a restyled bodyline other features include digital
ignition, disc brakes, and state-of-the-art front and rear
suspensions systems.
All LML vehicles
currently meet the year 2000 emission norms.
The offerings include
6 product categories in step-through and mobikes, all to
be powered by multivative 4 stroke engines. These vehicles
are presently designed in engine displacement of 100-125-150cc
and would also be equipped with superior features like disc-brakes
and electric start and would cover a wide band-width of
customer segment, including models such as Classic,
Sporty and Custom.
LML plans to launch
its range of metal body 4S - 150cc scooters both in variator
and geared version by the first quarter of Year 2001. These
vehicles will be in 3 sub-variants.
Although LML excepts
to close the current financial year witha lower volume of
scooter sales, and profits, the new range of products are
expected to reverse this trend.
The financial Year
2000-2001 will be the first year with LML's new range of
motorcycles and LML excepts a significant improvement in
its overall performance in volume and profitability.
It has already
completed its first phase of financial restructuring by
reducing debt; the present debt equity stand at 1:1, and
the net worth of the Company has steadily grown to Rs.148
crores.
LML has made substantial
restructuring of its Industrial, organisational and supply
chain and has commenced a programme for creating a very
flexible manufacturing system (to allow for shifts / movements
amongst its various product offerings) and making its organisation
lean and trim.
LML has already
networked its local vendors (numbering 100) with its LML
VENDNET; it shall also reduce its vendor base by 30%
over the next 2 years. Presently about 1200 components arrive
through a computer linked supply chain on JIT system with
floor inventry ranging from 90 minutes to 6 hrs.
The ancillary base
at Kanpur (109 units) is being enhanced to increase the
supply needs and establish a totally new quality system.
ISO certification by vendors is being made mandatory. LML
reimburses between 75% to 100% of the cost of such certification
to its ancillaries. 20 new ancillary units would be created
and in some cases, LML would also participate as an equity
partner.
LML, was the first
in the country to start its exclusive chain of showrooms
- LML WORLD, is now upgrading this dealer network to enable
the distribution, display, retailing and customer care become
fully congruent with the increased variety and volumes of
its two wheelers.
LML has invested
about Rs.350 crores during the last 3 years and would invest
a further Rs.120 crores during the next 24 months to create
a capacity of about 7.2 lacs two-whelers, covering almost
all product categories save and except mopeds. This investment
plan is based on a judicious mixture of debt, internal accruals,
leasing and suppliers credit.
LML is carrying
out extensive market research for possible new product categories
like small and big wheel 4Stroke Scooters in Plastic body
as also Electric scooters. If the research findings are
positive then such vehicles would enter the market something
during 2002.
On the export front,
LML has recently stepped up its export activities and from
an average of 400 per month, during the 1st nine months
of the current FY; it is now exporting about 1,000 vehicles
per month. It has taken steps to address specific country
needs and excepts to export around 15,000 vehicles during
the next FY.
LML is the only
2-wheeler producer with its own division producing state-of-the-art
automotive electronics and devices - Industrial Electronics.
This division has also expanded its product range and currently
produces CDI, HT coils, Voltage regulators, Digital Ignition
system, Cable - harnesses, Instrument Clusters and Components
of the magneto systems.
LML has also sourced
one of the most advanced SMT technologies and manufacturing
system from Siemens and Phillips, which shall be commissioned
by February this year. There are plans to spin-off this
activity to an independent company to accelerate its growth
and to cater to the needs of other customers in the 2 and
4 wheel segment.
In keeping with
current move for protecting and enhancing investor friendliness
and Corporate Governance LML plans to broad base its Boardwith
independent Directors with varied and rich experience, The
company's shares have already been dematerialized and are
presently traded on all major stock exchanges of the country.
Veeresh Malik and Shailesh Khanolkar at the
show
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