Bajaj, Kawasaki end sales tie-up

Kawasaki felt its bikes were facing competition from KTM ones, from which Bajaj made more profit

Japanese automobile major Kawasaki and Bajaj Auto have decided to end their eight-year-old alliance for sales and services. Bajaj Auto said this would allow it to focus on its superbike brand, built in association with Austrian company KTM.

“It is a mutually arrived at, amicable decision. On our part, the reason is to focus on KTM,” said Amit Nandi, president, Probiking, Bajaj Auto. Kawasaki executives could not be reached for comment.

The alliance will end on April 1. However, Bajaj and Kawasaki will continue with their relationship in the rest of the world.

“The decision is based on merits in