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    Bajaj Pulsar Sales, Exports Jan 2021 – 125, 150, 160, 180, 200, 220

    Image – The Bengal Rider
    Bajaj has now launched a naked roadster iteration of Pulsar 180 which makes it the eighth product on the Pulsar line of motorcycles

    Pulsar is arguably one of the most popular brands of motorcycles in India for the past two decades. The range of sporty commuter bikes from Bajaj Auto are efficient in daily commutes as well as providing the necessary thrill of performance to a certain extent of course. Hence, it proves to be the best of both worlds.
    Even after twenty years in the Indian market, it continues to grow from strength to strength and has a plethora of options to opt from. The past month was no different as it continued to record positive growth in almost every segment. The entire range registered sales of 97,580 units in January 2021.
    Domestic- Pulsar 125 Tops the chart
    This was against last year January which recorded 68,354 units of Pulsar and the previous month of December 2020 which registered 75,421 units. This translated to YoY growth of 42.76 percent and MoM growth of 29.38 percent.
    The sales chart was led by its entry-level offering Pulsar 125 which recorded 47,080 units last month. In comparison, it registered sales of 24,732 units in January 2020 and 42,686 units in December 2020. This made for a YoY and MoM growth of 90.36 percent and 10.29 percent respectively.
    Bajaj Pulsar Domestic Sales Jan 2021
    This was followed by Pulsar 150 which raked in 32,460 units for the homegrown bikemaker. Bajaj sold 31,216 units and 19,958 units of the 150cc bike in the first and last month of 2020 respectively. Therefore, it registered a YoY and MoM growth of 3.99 percent and 62.64 percent.
    Higher Segments Record Decent Sales Too
    The 160cc, 180cc and 200cc iteration of Pulsar bikes brought in 11,730 units in January this year. While the figures stood at 7,445 units in January last year and 8,279 units in December last year. YoY and MoM growth percentage figures registered were pegged at 57.56 percent and 41.68 percent respectively.
    The brand’s flagship offering- Pulsar 220F sold 6,310 units in January this year. With sales of 4,961 units in January 2020 and 4,498 units in December 2020, growth figures stood at 27.19 percent and 40.28 percent respectively.
    Bajaj Pulsar Exports Jan 2021
    Exports
    Bajaj dispatched 18,056 units of the 160cc, 180cc and 200cc Pulsar bikes to overseas markets. This translates to an MoM growth of 15.94 percent a YoY growth of 51.22 percent and 15.94 percent. The company shipped 12,674 units of the 150cc iteration of Pulsar to foreign countries. While it recorded a YoY growth of 137.96 percent and in MoM sales, it witnessed a degrowth of 9.75 percent.
    3,458 units of the entry-level Pulsar 125 were shipped abroad which translated to positive YoY growth of 73.77 percent and negative YoY growth of 24.08 percent. The flagship Pulsar 220F dispatched 1,536 units to dealerships in foreign markets which translated to an impressive YoY growth of 326.67 percent whereas in MoM figures it registered degrowth of 42.54 percent.
    A total of 35,724 Pulsar bikes were dispatched overseas in January 2021 which marked an overall YoY growth of 82.12 percent and an MoM degrowth of 3.04 percent. The company is looking to expand its Pulsar brand of motorcycles by launching new models in 180cc, 250cc and 400cc categories. More

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    Bajaj, KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles Online Booking Platform Launched

    New Bajaj Pulsar NS200
    Bajaj has initiated an online sales platform for its entire range of Bajaj, KTM and Husqvarna offerings

    Bajaj Auto sales go online at https://online.bajajauto.com/ This online sales platform comes at a time when social distancing is the new normal and this online booking scheme involves the entire process from booking to delivery in a contactless format.
    Buyers need to log onto the online portal, select their brand for the list of Avenger, CT, Dominar, Platina, Pulsar, Husqvarna or KTM models and continue to choose their engine capacities, variants and colours. Buyers will be informed the final ex-showroom price of the vehicle chosen and can select their city and local dealer.
    Buyers can then opt for further details, book a test ride or make a confirmed booking at with an online payment which will be adjusted with the final payment. All this is done from the comfort of their couch.
    The Bajaj Auto online platform is being rolled out in phases across the company network and is currently on offer only in select cities and dealerships. For now, it is only on offer in five cities of Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Hyderabad.
    Bajaj Online sales platform- Online Bajaj
    Last month, the Pune based, Bajaj Auto Limited announced launch of a minimum of two products every three months beginning from the ongoing quarter in a bid to push up domestic sales and market share. Holding a market share of 38 percent as at the end of December 2020, the company will focus on their premium segment which consists of the Pulsar, Avenger, Dominar, KTM and Husqvarna range.
    Bajaj Auto Upcoming Launches
    Bajaj Auto has just launched the new Pulsar 180 BS6 in India at Rs. 1.08 lakh. It borrows its engine lineup from the Pulsar 180F. This naked roadster is powered by a 178.6cc, single cylinder, air cooled engine offering 16.7 hp power at 8,500 rpm, mated to a 5 speed gearbox. It rivals the TVS Apache RTR 180 in its segment.
    Bajaj is also stated to be working on a new gen Pulsar range that will include250cc and 150cc Pulsars. The company plans to bring in Pulsar NS250 and the Pulsar RS250 in India in 2021 and they will be based on the Duke 250 platform and borrow its same engine lineup. Pulsar RS250 will compete with the Suzuki Gixxer SF250 while the NS250 will take on the Gixxer 250.
    Earlier this month, the company also launched the new Husqvarna Svartpilen 125 in Europe at Euro 5,199 (Rs 4.54 lakhs). It will be launched in India later this year. Production has already started at the company plant in Chakan, near Pune.
    New Bajaj Auto Chakan Plant
    Bajaj Auto has also planned a new plant in Chakan from where it will produce the KTM, Husqvarna and electric two wheelers. A capex of Rs.650 crores is set apart to invest into this new plant which will have installed capacity of 1 million units per annum thus taking Bajaj’s total annual production capacity to 2.2 million units. More

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    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 Features, Changes, Mileage, Performance – Detailed

    Image – Nitish Neo
    Bajaj Pulsar 180 is now a naked roadster and hence stands 10 kgs lighter as compared to the Pulsar 180F

    In 2019, Bajaj discontinued the Pulsar 180, and replaced it with 180F. Now they have brought back the Pulsar 180 in 2021. It is priced from Rs 1.08 lakhs, making it Rs.7k cheaper as compared to the Pulsar 180F which carried a price tag of Rs.1.15 lakhs, ex-sh prices. Bookings have opened and initial examples move into company showrooms.
    Bajaj Pulsar 180 Styling Elements
    Borrowing design inspiration from the Pulsar 150, new Pulsar 180 is seen with sporty body graphics across its fuel tank and front fender. It also receives split seats, pillion grab rails and multi spoke black finished alloy wheels.
    Headlamp is halogen and it comes along with twin pilot lamps. It continues to sport the same instrument cluster as seen on its 180F counterpart with an digital-analogue tachometer and LCD screen relaying information in terms of speed and fuel and an odometer.
    The 2021 Pulsar 180 is offered in two colour options of Laser Black and Nuclear Blue. Other design highlights also include a tinted windshield, clip on handlebars and black rear view mirrors. Below is a detailed first look video of the new Pulsar 180, credit to Youtube channel Nitish Neo.
    [embedded content]
    Engine, Braking and Suspension
    The naked roadster gets powered by a 178.6cc, single cylinder, 2 valve, air cooled engine that also powers the 180F. This engine makes 17.02 hp power at 8,500 rpm and 14.2 Nm torque at 6,500 rpm, which is lower by 0.2 hp and 0.3 Nm as compared to the engine on the Pulsar 180F. The engine gets mated to a 5 speed gearbox. Kerb weight stands at 145 kgs which is 10 kgs lighter as compared to the 180F since it is devoid of fairing.
    Braking and suspension is also carried over from the Pulsar 180F with 280mm front and 230mm rear disc setup and a single-channel ABS system and telescopic front forks and five-step adjustable gas-charged mono-shock at the rear. Mileage of new Pulsar 180 is more or less the same as before and there is no huge improvement in this department.
    Rivals
    The new Bajaj Pulsar 180 enters a segment where it will take on TVS Apache RTR 180 (Rs.1.08,270). It will also compete with the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V, Pulsar NS160, Yamaha FZS FI-V3 and Hero Xtreme 160R in a similar price range.
    In related news, Bajaj Auto is also gearing up to add more motorcycles to the Pulsar range, that will include 250cc bikes. The Bajaj Pulsar NS250 and RS250 are pegged for launch later this year. They will share both platform and engine with the KTM 250 Duke. The Pulsar RS250 will compete with the Suzuki Gixxer SF250 while the Pulsar NS250 compete with the Suzuki Gixxer 250. More

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    TVS iQube Sales Higher Than Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter – For 1st Time

    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter
    Electric two-wheeler sales are rising, but are still a small fraction of their petrol powered counterparts

    With growing consumer interest in electric two-wheelers, a number of startups and tech companies have launched their products in the market. Some of the leading companies in this segment include the likes of Hero Electric, Okinawa, Ampere, Ather and Revolt. However, for folks who prefer buying from established auto companies, the options are fairly limited to Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube.
    Bajaj Chetak vs. TVS iQube Jan 2021 sales
    Both Chetak and iQube were launched last year in January. While Chetak was launched in Pune, iQube was launched in Bengaluru. Bajaj later introduced Chetak in Bengaluru, whereas iQube has expanded operations to Delhi.
    In terms of overall sales, Chetak currently has the lead. However, in monthly sales, iQube was ahead in December 2020 and January 2021. In January, Chetak sales were 30 units as compared to 211 units of iQube. These numbers may seem positive for iQube, but in reality, Chetak’s low sales in recent months is due to production constraints and not due to lack of demand.
    As may be recalled, auto companies are currently facing shortage of semiconductors at the global level. A number of parts used in Chetak are imported, which is why the company hasn’t been able to meet its production timelines. Bajaj currently has pending orders for Chetak in access of 1,500 units. Due to the backlog and production constraints, Bajaj is currently not taking fresh bookings for Chetak.
    Month
    Chetak
    iQube
    Jan-20
    21
    0
    Feb-20
    100
    0
    Mar-20
    91
    18
    Apr-20
    0
    0
    May-20
    0
    0
    Jun-20
    0
    30
    Jul-20
    120
    23
    Aug-20
    192
    23
    Sep-20
    288
    7
    Oct-20
    258
    101
    Nov-20
    264
    99
    Dec-20
    3
    58
    Jan-21
    30
    211
    Total
    1,367
    577
    As and when the supply chain improves and production normalizes, Bajaj Chetak sales are expected to increase rapidly. The company is currently working to increase localization for Chetak and streamline its supply chain network. Bajaj has plans to introduce Chetak in 24 cities by end of next fiscal.
    Chetak vs. iQube – Features, specs and pricing
    Both Chetak and iQube have elegant design, with the former carrying a potent retro flavour. In terms of features, both scooters are not very different from each other. Both have water and dust resistant IP67 rated lithium-ion batteries that come with 50k/3 years warranty.
    In terms of range, Chetak can travel 95 km on a full charge in Eco mode. iQube has 75 km range in Eco mode. In speed, iQube is ahead with a top speed of 78 kmph. Chetak top speed is around 70 kmph, as per user reviews.
    TVS iQube
    Talking about pricing, Chetak Urbane variant is offered at Rs 1.15 lakh in Pune and Bengaluru. Chetak Premium variant costs Rs 1.20 lakh. In comparison, TVS iQube is priced at Rs 1.15 lakh in Bengaluru and Rs 1.08 lakh in Delhi. More

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    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 At Dealer Showroom – First Look Walkaround

    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180. Image – Auto Travel Tech
    In addition to switching back to the familiar bikini fairing, the 2021 Bajaj Pulsar also gets updated digi-analog instrument console and bold decals

    Back in 2018, Bajaj discontinued its popular Pulsar 180 variant with 180F which came equipped with 220F’s semi-fairing. The addition of fairing with projector headlamps permitted Bajaj to optimize the large Pulsar family’s tight market positioning with respect to each other. However, things have been evolving in the 150 to 200 cc motorcycle market and it seems the Pune-based two wheeler major has decided to roll back the change two years later.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180
    The 2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 with the original bikini fairing has started reaching dealerships, indicating that the official launch is not far away. It will be on sale alongside the semi-faired 180F, which is priced about Rs 9k more. Price of the Pulsar 180 is Rs 1.05 lakh ex-sh while that of the 180F is Rs 1.14 lakh, ex-sh.
    The new Pulsar 180 adopts the classic family styling but gets unique contrast decals on the fener, fuel tank extensions, tailpiece and belly pan. The headlamp housing appears to have been tweaked slightly but there are no other noteworthy visual changes.
    The digi-analog instrument console has been borrowed from the 220F. The blue backlit digital display unit offers multiple information including speed, distance to empty, fuel efficiency, side-stand status, odometer service reminder, and so on.
    2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180. Image – Auto Travel Tech
    Specifications
    Given that the Bajaj Pulsar family received BS6 updates only last year, we don’t expect the 2021 Pulsar 180 to have any significant changes to its powertrain specifications. To recap, the premium commuter is powered by a 178.6 cc air-cooled, fuel-injected engine which is mated to a 5-speed transmission. Power and torque figures stand at 17 hp and 14.52 Nm of torque.
    The 2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 carries forward the traditional telescopic front forks, twin rear shock absorbers, front and rear disc brakes with single-channel ABS, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
    Market positioning
    The continued success of TVS Apache RTR 180 and the advent of Honda Hornet 2.0 has prompted Bajaj to reposition its Pulsar 180. Ditching the semi-fairing and reverting back to the bikini unit would lead to a considerable price drop. The 2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180 with aggressive pricing will take the fight to its rivals. Take a look at the detailed walkaround video by AUTO TRAVEL TECH below.
    [embedded content]
    The Pulsar 180F did not manage meet Bajaj’s sales expectations despite derive its design from the popular 220F. So, in the revised Pulsar lineup for this year, the semi-faired variant may not have a place.
    The classic Bajaj Pulsar design has aged very well over these years. While its competitors feel the need to constantly evolve and revise their aesthetics, the Pulsar continues to enjoy enviable popularity among young and middle-aged customers alike. We expect the new 180 variant to do better than its outgoing faired sibling in terms of monthly sales volumes. More

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    2021 Bajaj Pulsar TVC Highlights Global Presence Of The Made In India Motorcycle

    2021 Bajaj Pulsar
    Bajaj is planning to expand the Pulsar lineup by introducing Pulsar 180 Naked and Pulsar RS400 later this year

    Bajaj Auto is a household name in the Indian automotive market and has established its footprints in several international markets as well. This fact has been highlighted in the automaker’s latest TV commercial which shows its presence in foreign markets such as Brazil, Egypt, Philippines and Turkey.
    Bajaj Pulsar ads have always been the talk of the MoTown. Some of the early Pulsar commercials from over a decade ago, are still cherished by fans. Now, Bajaj has released the first Pulsar TVC for 2021.
    New 2021 Bajaj Pulsar TVC shows bikers performing breathtaking stunts on various models of the Pulsar range of motorcycles. These stunts have been shot across different exotic locations around the world. For reference, the stunts shown in the upcoming video have been carried out by trained professionals under observation.
    New Pulsar TVC
    From conducting stoppies to rolling stoppies along with burnouts, the advertisement shows bikers in prominent tourist locations such as Christ- The Redeemer in Rio De Janeiro and Pyramids in Giza. A snapshot with Buland Darwaza in Delhi in the background is also seen in the advertisement. Models such as Pulsar 150, 180F, NS200, RS200 and NS160 could be seen carrying out the antics in the TV commercial. Take a look at the 2021 Bajaj Pulsar TVC below.
    [embedded content]
    Bajaj has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years both in domestic and overseas markets. The popularity of the Pulsar range of sporty commuter motorcycles has had a lot to do with it. A combination of practicality and performance at an affordable price has been the contributor to Pulsar’s success both in India and abroad. Collaboration with international brands such as KTM, Husqvarna and now Triumph has further earned Bajaj a valuable name in foreign markets.
    The indigenous bikemaker currently retails seven models of Pulsar range which includes Pulsar 125 Neon, Pulsar 150, Pulsar NS160, Pulsar 180F, Pulsar NS200, Pulsar RS200 and Pulsar 220F. The company is also looking to expand the lineup by introducing two new bikes this year including Pulsar 180 naked and Pulsar RS400.
    More Pulsar’s Incoming?
    Pulsar 180 will be the same motorcycle underneath as its semi-faired sibling 180F. It will be equipped with the same mechanicals but will wear a slightly different attire which would be similar to Pulsar 150. Interestingly, the naked roadster iteration of Pulsar 180 was on sale earlier and was discontinued in 2019 to be replaced by Pulsar 180F. It will be powered by a BS6 compliant 178.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that generates 16.6 bhp and 14.52 Nm of peak torque. This unit is linked to a 5-speed gearbox.
    Other than this, Bajaj is also looking to launch its top of the line Pulsar RS400 later in the second half of this year. This upcoming flagship faired sports bike from the Chakan-based manufacturer will be powered by the same liquid-cooled, triple spark 373.2cc engine which performs duties on KTM 390 series and Bajaj Dominar 400. This unit is likely to churn out 41 bhp and 34.5 Nm of peak torque while being mated to a six-speed gearbox. More

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    Bajaj Pulsar 180 To Be Relaunched At Rs 1.05 L – Rs 9k Cheaper Than 180F

    Image of Pulsar 150. Credit – The Sameer Vlogs
    With launch details still under wraps, we expect the new naked Pulsar 180 to be similar to its discontinued predecessor

    Bajaj Auto is planning to reintroduce Pulsar 180 in its naked iteration. The naked sporty commuter was discontinued and was replaced by the semi-faired version of Pulsar 180F. Pulsar 180, along with Pulsar 150, was the first derivative of Bajaj’s Pulsar range of sport commuter motorcycles when launched in the early years of this century.
    The naked version of Pulsar 180, in its last form, was very similar to its 150cc sibling in its looks. The only notable difference being a more upright tail section and two separate grab rails for the pillion in the former. The new Pulsar 180 is expected to carry forward the same design with minute changes.
    Design & Features
    This means the new Pulsar will likely receive a front end which boasts of a halogen headlight with twin DRLs, a tinted front visor, a bikini fairing, a muscular fuel tank, split-style seats, an engine cowl and a sporty pillion grab rail.
    In its new avatar, Pulsar 180 might be available with new colour schemes and subtle cosmetic updates. In terms of features, it will be equipped with a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer and digital readouts for speedometer, odometer, etc.
    Bajaj Pulsar 180F
    Mechanical Specs
    Mechanically, it will be the same bike as Pulsar 180F. It will be powered by the same BS6 compliant 178.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which produces 16.6 bhp and 14.52 Nm of peak torque. This unit is paired with a 5-speed sequential gearbox. It will share the same underpinnings as its semi-faired sibling which will be suspended on telescopic forks at front and gas-charged shock absorber springs at rear.
    Braking duties will be handled by single disc brake in the front, assisted by a single-channel ABS. Top variant will get disc brake at rear as well. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped around by tubeless tyres of 90/90 and 120/80 profiles at front and rear respectively.
    Upon its launch, Pulsar 180 naked will rival the likes of Honda Hornet 2.0 and TVS Apache RTR 160. Reports suggest that it will be pegged at a price tag of Rs 1,05,216 (ex-showroom) for the base variant. This will make it sit just above the top of the line Pulsar 150, and below the Pulsar 160NS. Below is the detailed price list of Pulsar motorcycles.
    Bajaj Pulsar Price List
    Currently, Bajaj retails seven iterations of Pulsar depending on its engine configurations- Pulsar 125, Pulsar 150, Pulsar NS160, Pulsar 180F, Pulsar NS200, Pulsar RS200 and Pulsar 220F. While the company is yet to make an official announcement regarding this development, we expect to hear about the upcoming roadster sooner rather than later.
    Pulsar NS250
    It was previously reported that Bajaj is looking to expand its Pulsar range of bikes by introducing a Pulsar NS250 based on the urban tourer Dominar 250. It will be powered by the same 248.8cc, fuel-injected, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine which also performs its duty on KTM 250 Duke, 250 Adventure along with Dominar 250.
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    Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter Price Likely To Increase To Rs 1.5 Lakh

    Bajaj Chetak
    The production halt is expected to be a setback on Bajaj Auto’s retail expansion plans for the Chetak

    It has been a year since the Bajaj Chetak retro classic electric scooter’s launch but the company has been struggling to realize its full potential. The lifestyle product received over 50,000 expressions of interest and has registered sales of over 1,300 units – from just two launch cities – Pune and Bangalore. Bajaj is currently sitting on an pending order book of over 1,500 units. However, production bottlenecks has forced Bajaj to close bookings temporarily.
    Bajaj Chetak price hike
    Business Standard reports that Bajaj is planning to increase the price of the Chetak when the production resumes to a INR 1.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The electric scooter was launched in two variants with base Urbane variant priced at INR 1 lakh and top-end Premium variant priced at INR 1.15 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom, Pune).
    It was earlier reported that Bajaj Auto has been making loss with every unit of Chetak sold at its launch price. The price hike is aimed at mitigating / eliminating this loss.
    Buoyed by a strong response from the customers, Bajaj Auto is confident that the price hike will not adversely impact the scooter’s prospects. The product is said to have attracted all kind of buyers including very affluent ones who have never owned a two wheeler before.
    Chetak sales were averaging 250-300 units per month before production got stopped due to shortage in semiconductor chips
    Production bottlenecks
    Soon after the Bajaj Chetak was launched amidst much fanfare, India went into a strict national level lockdown which brought production to a grounding halt. Subsequent logistical issues, compounded by a worsening relationship between India and China, adversely affected the import of critical components.
    Bajaj did finally manage to resume production only to put it on hold again due to acute shortage of semiconductors on a global scale. The pause in production would set Bajaj Chetak’s retail expansion plans back significantly. So, a price hike seems inevitable to limit the damage.
    Expansion plans and exports
    Bajaj is currently working on increasing the local content in the Chetak in addition to reforming its supply chain network. These issues are expected to be resolved in the coming months, and the company is confident of extending the market coverage from current 2 cities to 24 cities by end of next fiscal.
    Once the production constraints are sorted out and the Chetak settles into a rhythm in the domestic market, the company may look at exports. In Europe, the Bajaj Chetak could be positioned as a cheaper alternative to Vespa Elettrica. With the old continent taking fast strides in electric mobility domain, the Chetak seems like an attractive proposition. The retro classic styling is a big plus.
    In addition to the Chetak, Bajaj’s electric scooter platform will also serve KTM and its subsidiary Husqvarna. A new production facility in Chakan is being readied for Bajaj’s electric vehicle push.
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