Bajaj set for model launch this month, targets 50k units

Bajaj Auto Ltd has high hopes from the Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir markets.

The new two-wheeler model, which is scheduled to be launched in September, is expected to bridge the gap between the fuel-efficient 100cc, and the performance of 125cc motorcycles.

At present it has a 42 per cent market share in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

Speaking to Business Standard, Regional Manager Asis Kumar Swain, Bajaj Auto, said: "Compared to the industry growth of 2 per cent last financial year in Punjab, we grew by 8 per cent. Also, in the first quarter of the current financial year, we maintained our growth, while the industry growth was heading towards south. We hope that with the launch of the new model, we will further increase our market share."

Currently, Bajaj is selling 12, 500 bikes (including all models) per month in Punjab and 8, 400 in Haryana.

Commenting upon new model, he said, "The new 125cc engine, with DTS-Si (digital twin spark-swirl induction) technology will give a mileage of 109 kilometres per litre under ideal test conditions, surpassing the mileage of all current 100cc motorcycles. With this breakthrough there is a huge potential and opportunity to upgrade the 100cc customer with a engine which offers the best of both worlds "� 100cc mileage and 125cc performance."

The company has set an ambitious target to sell 50,000 bikes, of its new upcoming model, per month across the nation.

Bajaj had first dramatically improved on existing engine technology in 2003 when it launched the DTS-i (digital twin spark-ignition) engine with two spark plugs located at opposite ends of the combustion chamber (as compared to a single spark plug in conventional 4-stroke engines) to achieve faster and more efficient combustion.

The DTS-i technology offered better performance, improved fuel efficiency with lower emissions and helped establish the Bajaj Pulsar and then the Bajaj Discover as leaders in their respective segments.

Bajaj enjoys a market share of 47 per cent in the growing 125 cc and 150 cc segments, as against a smaller share of 24 percent in the100 cc segment.