In a recent interview, Bajaj Auto stated that the premium motorcycles has accounted for up to 45% monthly sales. Gradually, it will focus on that segment.
For the month of February 2019, Bajaj Auto reported total sales of 1.86 Lakh units. It achieved a 6% Y-o-Y growth, which including the exports goes up to 16% Y-o-Y growth.
Currently, it is among the top two-wheeler brands in India, constantly competing with Hero Motocorp. While Hero is best known for the Splendor series, Bajaj is better known for the Pulsar series.
For the month of January and February 2019, 45% of the sales of Bajaj came from the premium motorcycle segment, which includes 150cc and above bikes. In the brand’s stable, Bajaj Pulsar, Avenger and Dominar conclude the premium bikes.
Also Read: 2019 Bajaj Dominar changes and upgrades – Complete Details
In an interview to CNBC TV18, Rakesh Sharma, Executive Editor of Bajaj Auto, confirmed that Bajaj is trying to focus on expanding the premium motorcycle segment in India.
As we know, Bajaj is the promoter of KTM in India. The parent company has also acquired Sweden-based Husqvarna Motorcycles for the Indian market. It will soon enter into partnership with Triumph Motorcycles for their first bike in India.
So, if broadly seen, KTM is a premium brand and is also quite popular in the younger generation buyers. With the launch of new premium motorcycles from the other two brands, it is already expanding in the premium bike business.
Also Read: Bajaj-Triumph Motorcycle will compete Royal Enfield and Jawa bikes
Many commuter motorcycles in Bajaj’s stable like Discover series, V12 and V15 are not that well performing. In this segment, most of the registered sales come from Platina and CT100. Its best selling bike is Pulsar 150.
The future lineup of Bajaj Auto includes 4 upcoming premium motorcycles. With KTM, it is developing a new 500cc twin-cylinder motorcycle, probably in both Duke and RC shapes.
With Husqvarna, Bajaj is bring 2 new motorcycles in India – Vitpilen 401 and Svartpilen 401. Both will borrow the engines from Duke 390 and will be more premium than Duke.
Also Read: KTM-Bajaj 500cc Twin-cylinder engine bike confirmed
Lastly, with Triumph Motorcycles, it will launch a new motorcycle between 250-600cc capacity. Triumph will handle the development and design at their international facility, while Bajaj will look out the localization and cost-cutting solutions.
