The Indian motorcycle premier company Bajaj is reviving its staunch presence in the market with an ensuing launch of high-performance bike. The bike will be a product with the association from KTM and may be sold at the price range of Rs1 lakh it is known. The JV is chalking out many models in the 125cc sector for the European market, to be followed by the Indian market. The Chairman of Bajaj, Rajiv Bajaj is categorical to mention that the prime products would be priced equally at the premium price like Pulsar [images]. If 125cc Bajaj-KTM comes to the market at the price of Rs1lakh +, then it will mean a lot that it doubles the cost of normal 125cc bikes- Rs43000 – Rs46000.
However, the project between these companies for 125cc would go on with Bajaj sparing its Chakan plant for manufacturing. Bajaj’s costliest product as of now is Pulsar 220cc [images] range at Rs70000. Yet, it can not match the costliest bike in the country from Royal Enfield Classic 500 [images] sold at Rs1.47 lakh, coming next is Classic 350 and Yamaha R15 [images].
Bajaj is already steeping its stake in the low budget bikes and the move to join hands with KTM of Australia is to get hold of the expertise of the latter. Bajaj intends to penetrate its presence in the European market through the tie-up with KTM. The Indian two wheeler market focuses on the mileage and power, but Bajaj diverts the attention to the sporty ride. The company seeks to have an edge over others – like Honda Shine [images] and Hero Honda Glamour [images] -by presenting this sporty nature.
Bajaj likes to inject style and sport together targeting the youth. Once the high performance bikes start rolling out in Europe, may be @RS2.3-2.4 lakhs, it may sound whooping cost in the Indian market. However, it is no denying that it is not new for Bajaj to fix such an exorbitant price. Already it is marketing its Kawasaki Ninja 250R [images] in India at Rs2.7 lakhs. The cost is such high because it is derived as a kit to be assembled at Chakkan plant. Bajaj is in the process of manufacturing the KTM developed bikes in India. This is not an end of the journey, but is a part that the JV is looking for the expanded range of engine than 250cc. Such products may roll out during 2014.
As for the routine products, Bajaj targets to sell 100000- 200000 units belonging to the smaller version of engine in India and sub-continent. Bajaj has a high profile distribution network in Asia. The JV between Bajaj and KTM ensured 35.67% stake for Bajaj in KTM Power Sports AG from the subsidiary available in Netherlands(Bajaj Auto International Holding BV). In addition, there will be import of KTM stable ranges sooner.(Bajaj-KTM here by year end)