Bajaj

New Bajaj Pulsar 150Bajaj 2W sales grew by 5.33% YoY in June 2024 with the Pulsar and Platina commanding 85% of domestic salesBajaj Auto Limited, the 4th best-selling two wheeler maker in India after Hero, Honda and TVS, has accounted for sales of 1,68,956 units in domestic markets. This was a 5.33% YoY growth over 1,60,410 units sold in June 2023 relating to a 8,546 unit improvement in volumes.Bajaj Sales Breakup June 2024 – YoY ComparisonThe company saw the Pulsar and Platina command the highest sales while the Chetak electric also added significant numbers. Bajaj now expects to see outstanding sales coming in from the new Freedom, the world’s first CNG bike that has been launched at an affordable price of Rs 95,000 (ex-showroom). Bajaj Freedom is a hybrid motorcycle with two tanks, one for petrol and the other for CNG.Bajaj Sales Breakup June 2024Bajaj Pulsar that commanded sales list with 1,11,101 units sold last month reported a 3.63% YoY growth over 1,07,208 units sold in June 2023 to garner a 65.76% share on this domestic list. In the Pulsar range, it was the 125cc model that received the highest sales of 63,586 units despite a 5.28% YoY decline.Its 150cc counterpart has seen a 39.94% YoY improvement in demand with 23,270 units sold last month while Pulsar 200cc also suffered a YoY decline by 8.96% with 14,836 units sold. Pulsar 250cc and 400cc added 6,894 units and 2,515 units to total sales respectively.Bajaj Sales Breakup June 2024Bajaj Platina sales dipped by 9.44% YoY to 33,101 units to command a 19.59% share. There had been 36,550 units sold in the same month last year. The company’s sole electric offering, Bajaj Chetak has seen outstanding improvement in demand in the domestic market. Sales grew by 135.75% to 16,691 units in the past month. Bajaj Chetak was also the company’s sole offering on the list of top 10 scooters last month, ahead of the TVS iQube by around 1,400 units.Bajaj CT, Avenger, Dominar Sales Decline YoYReporting lower YoY sales in domestic markets were the Bajaj CT, Avenger and Dominar. CT sales dipped 6.78% to 5,929 units as against 6,360 units sold in June 2023. Though the CT 110cc model saw improved sales by 28.67% it was the CT125cc that suffered a 100% decline over 1,752 units sold in June 2023.Avenger sales fell by 34.49% YoY to 1,360 units last month with the 200cc and 250cc seeing lower sales at 1,065 units and 295 units respectively. Bajaj Dominar too suffered a YoY decline by 31.87% to just 774 units sold last month whereas there had been significantly higher sales at 1,136 units in the same month last year. More

Bajaj Pulsar 400 Sales AnaysisRoyal Enfield has expanded its Sherpa 450 lineup with Guerrilla 450 to rival the 400cc offerings from Bajaj and its partnersEver since it was launched, Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z has had a lot of sales potential. Bajaj is known to pull aggressive price points and Pulsar NS400Z is no different. Launched at an attractive price point of Rs 1.85 lakh (Ex-sh) Pulsar NS400Z has surpassed the sales of other Bajaj-alliance 400cc motorcycles. Let’s break down the numbers.Pulsar 400 Bags Excellent SalesThe combination of high performance and low price is a rather powerful one. For price-conscious Indian buyers, the higher price for marginal to no real benefits of rival single-cylinder high-performance motorcycles looks obsolete. Hence, Pulsar NS400Z emerges as the value champion.Same analogy is seen in the sales charts. Pulsar NS400Z has out-performed other 400cc motorcycles from Bajaj’s own alliances with Triumph, KTM and Husqvarna. In June 2024, Bajaj Pulsar 400Z sold 2,515 units and secured top position among the likes of Triumph Speed 400, KTM 390 lineup, Bajaj Dominar 400 and Husqvarna Svartpilen 400.With 2,515 units sold, Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z secured a 43.28% market share among this list. Bajaj launched Pulsar NS400Z in May 2023 and it only sold 32 units in that month. For June 2024, MoM growth comes out to be 7,759.38% with volume growth of 2,483 units MoM.Bajaj Pulsar 400 Sales Anaysis – YoYIn 2nd place, we have Triumph 400 lineup including Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X. Together, they sold 2,135 units and carved out a 36.74% market share among this list. When compared to 2,117 units sold in May 2024, Triumph 400 registered a 0.85% MoM growth with 18 units gained in volume.KTM’s highly popular 390 lineup took 3rd place in this list with a 12.01% market share. The 698 KTM 390 units sold in June 2024 ensured that the sales numbers halved YoY at a 50.32% YoY decline, losing 707 units in volume. When compared to the 655 units sold a month before, KTM 390 gained 43 units in volume registering a MoM growth of 6.56%.Husqvarna sold 88 Svartpilen 401sBajaj’s Dominar 400 is probably the oldest in the bunch and it still manages to carve out a decent sales proposition. At 375 units, sales have dropped considerably with a 40.19% YoY decline losing 252 units in volume. There was no luck for Dominar 400 in MoM analysis too as numbers dropped from 477 to 375, a 21.38% MoM decline.Bajaj Pulsar 400 Sales Anaysis – MoMEven though it has a unique design character of its own and shares the platform with the new 390 Duke, Husqvarna Svartpilen emerges as the slowest-selling product in this list. With 88 units sold as opposed to 142 units sold in May 2024, Husqvarna 401 saw a 38.03% MoM decline with 54 units lost in volume.In total, Bajaj sold 5,811 400cc bikes through its own brand and partner brands like Triumph, KTM and Husqvarna. This segment is doing extremely well with numbers almost quadrupling YoY at 185.97% growth and a 69.76% MoM growth. Royal Enfield is readying its Sherpa 450-based lineup with Himalayan 450 and the just-launched Guerrilla 450. More

Bajaj Freedom CNG Delivery StartsFirst Bajaj Freedom 125 Sale and Delivery in Pune – Over 30,000 enquiries recordedBajaj Auto launched the Freedom 125 on 5th July 2024. The first motorcycle has now been delivered to Mr. Pravin Thorat in Pune, India. The bike is available in three variants and starts at ?95,000 (Ex-Showroom Delhi). Bookings are now open nationwide. This model’s unique selling proposition is its CNG integration, making it the world’s first motorcycle with this feature.Comfort and convenience are prioritised with a mono-linked suspension system, a long and quilted seat, LED headlamps, and digital speedometers. Bluetooth connectivity enhances rider experience by providing seamless integration, adding to the bike’s modern appeal. Bajaj Auto is working on ramping up distribution routes across its dealer network to meet high consumer demand. By making innovation accessible to a broader audience, Bajaj reinforces its legacy of pioneering advancements in the motorcycle industry.[embedded content]Dual-Fuel Efficiency with 330 km RangeCustomer interest has surged, with over 30,000 enquiries within a week. Freedom 125 boasts a CNG tank range of over 200 km on 2 kg of CNG. The petrol tank holds 2 litres, providing a total range of 330 km when combined with the CNG. Dual-fuel capacity not only extends the range but also offers flexibility in fuel usage. A feather in the cap of flexi fuel vehicle options.Environmentally, the Freedom 125 reduces CO2 emissions by 26.7 percent compared to traditional petrol motorcycles. Operating costs are up to 50 percent lower than similar petrol models, making it both eco-friendly and economical. The motorcycle’s advanced safety features include a trellis frame that securely houses the CNG tank, ensuring stability and protection.2W CNG Integration: Go Big, or Go HomeBajaj Auto’s commitment to innovation is evident in the Freedom 125’s design and features. The company aims to set new standards in the motorcycle industry by offering advanced technology at an affordable price. This approach not only benefits consumers but also positions Bajaj as a leader in sustainable mobility solutions. On the alternate mobility front, the company sells Bajaj Chetak. A field that is being increasingly occupied by new age manufacturers.Bajaj Freedom 125 addresses the pressing need for cost effective commuter bikes. By integrating CNG, Bajaj provides a viable alternative to petrol motorcycles, reducing emissions and operating costs. This move aligns with global trends toward sustainability and environmental responsibility. Bajaj Freedom 125 sales projections are set at 10k units in the early months. Numbers are expected to increase to 40k units pm by fiscal end.Bajaj Freedom 125: Setting New StandardsWhile nothing has been said about the ideal buyer group, the bike could also be an attractive proposition to fleets. It’s convenient, cost effective, and quick to fill CNG. A long seat to carry large delivery loads, and a steady ride in city conditions. With CNG bunks on the rise, filling stations could very well be set up in the vicinity of delivery warehouses.“The Bajaj Freedom 125 launch has generated almost unprecedented consumer interest in this innovation, which helps deliver significant operating cost savings as well as a greener ride as compared to traditional petrol bikes. We are working hard to ensure that we meet this demand by expanding distribution rapidly across our expansive dealer network. Booking is now open across the country”,” said Mr. Sarang Kanade, President Motorcycles, Bajaj Auto Ltd. More

Nitin Gadkari, Rajiv Bajaj, Rakesh Sharma at the CNG Bike LaunchBajaj has filed multiple patents for its CNG two-wheeler platform, of which, around 3-4 are in final stagesAt the Q&A session of Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike launch, the interactions revealed some interesting facts and insights. For example, Rajiv Bajaj revealed how the Freedom CNG bike will challenge the might of Hero MotoCorp in the commuter segment. The Q&A panel also talked about the reasons why a larger CNG tank was not possible.Bajaj Freedom CNG motorcycle patentsResponding to a question about how many patents have been filed for Bajaj Freedom CNG motorcycle, the panel said that multiple patents have been filed. While an exact number was not provided, it was stated that around 3-4 patents are in the final stages. These patents cover various features and functions of the CNG bike. For example, the fuel tank packaging is unique, as there’s a CNG tank as well as a petrol tank.Nitin Gadkari and Rajiv Bajaj at the Freedom CNG launchThe objective was not just to make the dual-fuel system work, but also to ensure optimal safety for users. Bajaj has internally crash tested the Freedom 125 CNG bike, including being completely run over by a 10-ton truck. The bike passed all the tests without any damage to the CNG tank. The pressure gauge remained unchanged, with no leaks detected.Another patent is for the unique ignition system that does not utilize any starter motor. The bike comes to life with just the push of a button. It is also worth noting that Bajaj CNG bike can start directly with CNG fuel. There is no need to start the bike with petrol and later switch to CNG. A third patent is for the automatic switching mechanism between the two fuels. If the CNG tank reaches minimums, the bike will automatically shift to petrol and vice-versa.Bajaj Freedom CNG BikeHeavy investments – Don’t take the CNG routeAdding to the discussion about patents, Rajiv Bajaj said that the company has made significant investments in developing the CNG bike. On a lighter note, he recommended that other OEMs should avoid this segment due to the heavy investments involved. Below is the entire QnA with Rajiv Bajaj at the CNG bike launch, the part where he tells rivals not to invest in CNG bike is from 23:10 mark.[embedded content]Interestingly, there are reports that TVS has started testing the CNG version of its Jupiter 125cc scooter. It is expected to be launched in the next 3-12 months’ time frame.What does NG represent in the bike’s name?Talking about how the bike got the NG suffix in its name (Freedom 125 NG04), Rajiv Bajaj provided the complete details. While using CNG would have made the messaging crystal clear, this name sounded too mechanical. After a lot of research and discussion, the NG name was chosen for the bike. NG directly relates to CNG and it can also refer to the New Generation or Next Generation. It also sounds good, which is why it was finalized.On a funnier note, the company’s CFO pointed out that NG can even relate to Nitin Gadkari. It is Nitin Gadkari who has been making a strong push for greener fuels including CNG. He was present at the launch event and had unveiled the Bajaj Freedom CNG bike. More

Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank Filling ExperienceHeadline figures of Bajaj Freedom CNG bike are 2kg CNG capacity with 102 km/kg, 2L Petrol tank with 67 Km/l and 330km range on one fillCNG as a fuel is gaining popularity quite a bit in the recent past. So much so, that Bajaj Auto has even launched world’s first ever CNG motorcycle in the form of Freedom 125. Bajaj has provided us with a Freedom 125 for a first ride review. As there is an embargo on sharing the review and opinion, we will not be able to tell you how the bike is. What we can show you, is the public reaction about the experience we had at the CNG fuelling station earlier today.Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank FillingThis is the first time a 2W vehicle manufacturer has launched a CNG motorcycle. Freedom 125 CNG is the first of its kind and is capable of running on both CNG and Petrol fuels. Bajaj has provided a toggle on left switchgear that seamlessly switches between CNG and Petrol. This is a very neat feature and allows convenience and “freedom” for buyers.Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank Filling ExperienceWhen it comes to refilling Bajaj Freedom, it is not a cakewalk, considering the fewer CNG filling stations. First thing we realised is the sheer number of CNG vehicles in big cities like Pune and fewer CNG filling stations in contrast. Resulting in vast queues at CNG stations from auto rickshaws, cabs and fleet drivers.We went to Ghorpadi CNG station in Koregaon Park, Pune, to refill Freedom 125 for the first time. Because India is still in a honeymoon phase with Bajaj Freedom 125, we were luckily allowed to bypass the rather long queue. Other customers didn’t protest, which might not be the case in the future, once there are many CNG 2Ws on the road.Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank Filling ExperienceHow smooth was the procedure?While refilling, we did not encounter any hassles and the process went smoothly, accepting CNG at a decent pressure. However, CNG station staff were witnessing an OEM CNG bike for the first time and we were not asked to stand far away from the motorcycle while refilling. In excitement of refilling the world’s first CNG bike for the first time, we missed getting away from the motorcycle while refilling.Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank Filling ExperienceHazards of static electricity build-up from fabric seats and CNG smell in a car with all windows closed, doesn’t apply to Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle. However, standing far away while refuelling a CNG motorcycle is still the recommended practice. That is because the high pressure involved in the CNG filling process might result in unwanted bursts or other related hazards. We will be more cautious in the future and suggest the same for everyone else. Bajaj has done extensive safety tests on Freedom 125 and promises a robust system without any hazards.Public reactions!Riding Bajaj Freedom 125 in Pune city, or on the highway attracts a lot of eyeballs. It is probably the hottest motorcycle in India and garners a lot of interest among general consensus. There have been many instances where riders overtook me on the highway, requested me to stop and enquired about this motorcycle. In the city, that effect is compounded further.Bajaj Freedom CNG Tank Filling ExperienceAt Ghorpadi CNG station in Koregaon Park, Pune, we had to explain to the operators that this is a CNG motorcycle and we were not lost in search of petrol. Apart from the operators, Freedom 125 also irked the interest of many bystanders and customers of auto rickshaws and cabs. Soon, Freedom 125 attracted a fair number of admirers and all of them were curious to know more about it. Video below captures the entire experience.[embedded content]“Kitna deti hai”, “kitne ki hai”, “kitna CNG aata hai” were primary questions and not a single one of them were concerned about the bike’s performance. We saw people’s faces light up when they heard Freedom 125’s low running costs and its introductory prices. Few were interested in the technical aspects like bike starting on CNG and the switching to petrol. Many expressed their enthusiasm about the bike’s long seat and we didn’t find a single soul that disliked Freedom’s unique design. One guy even went on to say, “Ye Chalega Abhi, Petrol Nahi Parwadta” (This bike will be in demand as petrol has become too expensive).Experiencing the CNG refuelling process of Bajaj Freedom 125, we have a few thoughts. Firstly, there is a need to rapidly expand the existing CNG station network to ease the process for auto rickshaws, cabs, fleet operators and now, motorcycles. Separate queues for motorcycles in CNG stations is something to think about as they take very less time. Making CNG station personnel and CNG motorcycle buyers aware of safety precautions is paramount too. More