Lohia Machinery Limited

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article does not cite any references or sources. (April 2008)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

This article or section needs to be updated.
Please update the article to reflect recent events / newly available information, and remove this template when finished.

For other uses, see LML (disambiguation).

LML (formerly Lohia Machines Ltd) is an Indian motorcycle manufacturer.

[edit] History and overview

Incorporated as Lohia Machines Private Limited in 1978, the company was engaged in manufacture of Synthetic Yarn Manufacturing Machines in technical collaboration with ARCT, France. In 1978, it became a public limited company and diversified into processing synthetic yarn.

In 1984 a Technical Collaboration agreement was signed with Piaggio of Italy and a scooter project was set up. In 1986, the LML NV was launched. The relationship with Piaggio was redefined to that of a partner in 1990, both partners having equal equity participation of 23.6% each. The LML Select was launched in 1993, with new age technology and aesthetics, and became an instant success. LML's joint venture with Piaggio ended in 1999. LML continued to manufacture the Star, a classically styled steel-bodied scooter with twist-shift 4-speed manual transmission and a 150cc two-stroke engine. Some of these were distributed in the United States as the Stella and in the UK as AKII's Aura LML.

Again in 1999, an agreement was signed with Daelim Motor Company of South Korea to manufacture 4-stroke motorcycles. In 2000 the company was recognized by the Indian Ministry of Science and Technology for remarkable success in introducing new models/upgrades of scooters in the market with more fuel-efficient engines, new electrical systems, latest emission norms, upgraded technology, better styling etc., and that year entered the motorcycle market with upper end lifestyle bikes in 100cc, using 3-valve technology.

Freedom, LML's first deluxe commuter motorcycle in 110cc, was launched in 2002. The next year Spirit of Freedom (range expansion through colours) was launched. In 2004 the company introduced the LML Graptor, marking its entry into the 150cc lifestyle segment. It was the first indigenously designed bike from Ugoli, Italy. 2004 marked LML's transition from a single product company to a multi-product two wheeler company with three simultaneous launches: the LML Graptor (150cc), the LML Freedom Prima (110cc) and LML Freedom Prima (125cc).

As of July 2006, the company is under financial constraint. New finance has been invested by Credit Suisse and other institutions.