Top officials of Bajaj Auto Limited addressing media in Pune India at the Bajaj Headquarters said the company through its partner David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd (DPMC) has maintained a steady growth in the market share over the years in Sri Lanka and is optimistic the growth will continue despite domestic and global slowdowns.
Bajaj enjoys a market share of 92 % for three-wheelers and 65 % for two-wheelers in Sri Lanka.
Bajaj recorded sales of over four million vehicles which is a nine percent growth over the previous year exporting to over 75 countries. From April to September this year, the company has sold over one million vehicles globally. Bajaja’s latest addition, the quadricycle ‘Qute’ is poised to make a mark in the Sri Lanka’s transportation sector as a family, cost efficient and convenient mode of transportation. Known as ‘My Family Vehicle’ in Sri Lanka, sales of Qute crossed 650 units since its launch in April this year.
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| The Bajaj Qute |
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| Three wheel production line at Bajaj Waluj plant |
“For Bajaj Qute, we already have received central government approval in June 2018 to sell in India. As of today, we have received STA (State transport Authority) approvals in 18 states. We have started sales of Qute in the states of Kerala and Rajasthan. The initial response from Qute customers has been good, a top official of the company told journalists. Qute is being exported to more than 30 countries and we have exported over 7,000 vehicles so far. Across the globe Qute is being loved by the customers,” he said.
The sale of Bajaj Qute is expected to rise sharply in Sri Lanka Shanaka Jayaweera, Director Vehicle Sales David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd said. This is in the backdrop of Qute gaining vastly popular in Europe, America and Japan. Jayaweera said the company has the capacity to localise and go up to value addition of the Bajaj range of vehicles in Sri Lanka. However, he said the project has not been able to take off so far due to absence of concessions from the Government.
Senior Vice President, Export Business Unit, Bajaj Auto Ltd., K.S. Grihapathy said they expect a higher penetration in the Sri Lankan market despite a minor slowdown in sles last year and Bajaj has the ability to adapt to volatile situations in markets across the globe. “The situation in Sri Lanka is only a temporary setback which will fade off in a matter of time,” he said adding “Bajaj has faced similar situations in Turkey, Argentina and Nigeria. The state of affairs in Sri Lanka will re-bounce and business will be back to normal,” Grihapathy said.
Bajaj is also considering moving into electric vehicles as it upgrades and promotes environment friendly transportation across countries.
“We will look into this aspect. However, we also have to ensure the specifications and eco-systems are right. We will watch the situation in countries and embark on the project,” Bajaj Vice President Marketing, Manish Sigh Rathore said. The Qute has been designed in response to requirements of low cost, first and last mile public transport across the world by optimising size, weight, cost and speed. Qute follows a philosophy of Smart and Sensible Design. It has got an eco friendly, fuel efficient, world class DTSi Engine, it is Smart in its size and handling, it is Smart in safety with its monocoque body and it is Smart in the space that it offers to passengers and their luggage.
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| K.S Grihapathy (Senior Vice President – International Business at the press conference |
The Qute’s 216cc four stroke, twin-spark, single cylinder, four valve, liquid cooled DTSi engine generates 9.7 Kw power at 5500 RPM & 18.9 Nm Torque at 4000 RPM. It is easy to drive, compact, lightweight and has an extremely low carbon emission of 66 gm/km.
Bajaj Auto Limited operates three plants across India in Waluj, Chakan and Pantnagar.
The Waluj plant was set up in 1984 and it is spread over 362 hectares. Bajaj range of vehicles manufactured at this plant includes Discover, Platina, CT 100, Boxer, three-wheelers (RE) and Qute. This facility is certified with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certificates and has an annual capacity of 2.4 million motorcycles and 0.9 million 3-wheelers.
The Chakan plant has been in operation since 1998 and is spread over 80 hectares. The range of Bajaj motorcycles manufactured here include Pulsar, Avenger, KTM. This facility is also certified with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001 certificates. This plant has an annual capacity of 1.2 million motorcycles.
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Two wheel production line at Bajaj Chakan plant |
The Pantnagar plant is spread over 24 hectares. The Bajaj range of motorcycles such as Discover and Platina are manufactured at this plant. This facility is certified with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001 certificates and has annual capacity of 2.4 million motorcycles.
The Bajaj Group is among the top 10 business houses in India. Its footprint stretches over a wide range of industries, spanning automobiles (two wheelers manufacture and three wheelers manufacture), home appliances, lighting, iron and steel, insurance, travel and finance. The group’s flagship company, Bajaj Auto, is ranked as the world’s largest three-wheeler manufacturer and third largest motorcycle manufacturer.
Founded in 1926, at the height of India’s movement for independence from the British, the group has an illustrious history. The integrity, dedication, resourcefulness and determination to succeed which are characteristics of the group today, are often traced back to its birth during those days of relentless devotion to a common cause.
DPMC which has a long standing partnership with Bajaj is currently among the top 10 partners of Bajaj Auto Ltd.
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