Early Life
Vikram Lal was born in 1942 into a wealthy industrialist family in New Delhi, India. He received a strong education, attending The Doon School and later pursuing mechanical engineering at Technische Universität Darmstadt in Germany. His father, Brijmohan Lal, founded Eicher India, a tractor and commercial vehicle manufacturer. Vikram joined the family business, Eicher India, in 1966.
Rise to Success
Vikram Lal started as a trainee and quickly rose through the ranks at Eicher India, eventually becoming the CEO. Under his leadership, Eicher Motors expanded into light commercial vehicles in 1986 and heavy vehicles later on. A pivotal moment was the acquisition of a majority stake in Royal Enfield in 1993, which was key to its later success. Lal stepped back from detailed management in 1985 after a heart bypass and retired from executive roles in 1997, handing control to professional managers.
Key Business Strategies
Vikram Lal focused on transforming Eicher India from a tractor manufacturer into a major commercial vehicle player. His vision extended to the Royal Enfield brand, which was revitalized under the leadership of his son, Siddhartha Lal.
Philanthropy
Vikram Lal is known for his philanthropic endeavors. He established the Goodearth Education Foundation in 1996, supporting children's health and education. He has also been involved with Common Cause, a public interest organization.