Bajaj Auto’s Big Announcement: “Biggest Pulsar Ever”
Bajaj Auto, a prominent player in India’s two-wheeler market, is set to make waves with its latest announcement. Rajiv Bajaj, the Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, revealed exciting plans for the company in an interview with CNBC-TV18. The headline-grabbing statement was the revelation that Bajaj Auto is preparing to launch the “biggest Pulsar ever” during this fiscal year. This announcement has ignited anticipation among motorcycle enthusiasts and industry observers alike.
Pulsar’s Evolution and Dominance
The Pulsar brand has been a cornerstone of Bajaj Auto’s success for years. Known for its sporty design, powerful performance, and affordability, Pulsar motorcycles have captured the hearts of riders across India. Over the years, Bajaj Auto has continued to evolve the Pulsar lineup, introducing various models with different engine capacities to cater to a wide range of riders.
As of now, the largest Pulsar in Bajaj Auto’s portfolio is a 250cc machine. However, Rajiv Bajaj’s statement hints at an even more significant and potentially game-changing addition to the Pulsar family. This move aligns with Bajaj Auto’s strategy of staying ahead of market trends and continuously innovating to meet consumer demands.
Pulsar’s Roadmap Till March 2024
Rajiv Bajaj shared insights into Bajaj Auto’s plans for the Pulsar brand until March 2024. The company is gearing up to introduce six significant upgrades to the Pulsar lineup within this timeframe. These upgrades are expected to further enhance Bajaj Auto’s share in the mid-segment motorcycle market, which spans engine capacities from 125cc to 200cc. Currently holding a 30% share in this segment, Bajaj Auto has its sights set on becoming the undisputed leader.
Bolstering Premium Motorcycle Sales
While Rajiv Bajaj acknowledged that the entry-level 100cc motorcycle segment is under pressure, he highlighted the positive growth in premium motorcycle sales, specifically those priced above Rs 1.7 lakh. This growth trend is encouraging for the company and underscores the success of products like the Pulsar in this price range. It also reflects the evolving preferences of Indian consumers, who are increasingly opting for higher-displacement and feature-rich motorcycles.
Triumph Collaboration and Export Expansion
In recent years, Bajaj Auto has been actively collaborating with iconic British motorcycle brand Triumph. This partnership aims to create a range of premium motorcycles that cater to various segments of the market. Rajiv Bajaj provided updates on Triumph bike sales, noting that the first 10,000 bookings were offered at a special price of Rs 2.23 lakh. About 4,000 bookings were made between July and August, with half of them already delivered to customers. This partnership has the potential to further strengthen Bajaj Auto’s presence in the premium motorcycle segment.
Speaking of exports, Rajiv Bajaj mentioned that Bajaj Auto and KTM brands currently export approximately 10,000 units each month. With the introduction of the new Pulsar and Triumph motorcycles, the company aims to significantly boost its exports to a range of 15,000 to 20,000 units per month. This expansion in exports underscores Bajaj Auto’s commitment to global markets and its competitiveness in the international motorcycle industry.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Focus
Bajaj Auto has been making strides in the electric vehicle segment, with its Chetak electric scooter gaining attention. Rajiv Bajaj shared the company’s plans to increase Chetak’s production capacity from the current 800 units per month to a range of 15,000 to 20,000 units per month by the end of the financial year. The surge in Chetak’s volumes is attributed to its right cost structure and expanding distribution network. Bajaj Auto is keen on capitalizing on the growing demand for electric two-wheelers in India.
Bajaj Auto’s announcement of the “biggest Pulsar ever” has set the stage for an exciting period in the Indian motorcycle market. The company’s focus on innovation, premium motorcycles, export expansion, and electric vehicles positions it as a key player in the evolving landscape of the two-wheeler industry. As Bajaj Auto continues to push the boundaries of design and technology, motorcycle enthusiasts can eagerly anticipate the arrival of the next-generation Pulsar, which promises to be a game-changer in its segment.
