Focus on sports and entry-level segments has helped Bajaj Auto in posting a healthy performance, said executive director Rakesh Sharma in an interview with Swati Khandelwal. Sharma also spoke about the company's partnership with KTM and the progress of its alliance with Triumph.
What were the growth drivers for Bajaj Auto in the fourth quarter of the last financial year?
It has happened because we have focused on the segments that are growing in the industry. If you have a look at the overall performance of the industry, then it, the industry, is running in minus. But, when looked closely, then there are different segments in the industry, of which some are doing good while others aren't. So we have focused on sports and entry-level segments that are doing well. We have introduced new products in these segments. On the other hand, the middle segment is collapsing. So, these movements or actions are providing a good field for us.
Name the products or segments that will contribute the maximum to your business. Secondly, you have announced that Bajaj along with KTM will be launching a product in the electric vehicle segment. Update us on that front as well.
First of all, we have concentrated on the sports segment, where we have a stronghold. Pulsar is our brand name in the segment and we have introduced two-three different products in Pulsar, which has been accepted by the people. So, if you look back, you will find that 50,000-60,000 Pulsars were sold in a month. But this number has now gone up to 80,000-90,000 now. So, Pulsar is a higher margin product and is a stronghold of Bajaj. The second is commuter segment, where we have tried to convert 100cc into 110cc with an aim to upgrade our customers. Possibilities are there that raising it above 110cc level may not benefit the customers. So, Platina 110 and Pulsar 150 ranges have performed well in the quarter.
Update us on your tie-ups with KTM Industries as well as Triumph?
We have a strategic alliance with KTM and we have 48% shareholding in the company, which has existed since 2007-08. This decade-old partnership is performing well. Interestingly, last year, KTM turned up to be the top premium-bike manufacturer after it overtook Harley Davidson. Bajaj Auto also had a contribution in it. We also have good coordination with KTM at all levels, mainly research and development and manufacturing. So, we have joined hands with KTM Industries to provide an electric option in high-performance bikes. Besides, our talks with Triumph have reached an advanced stage and I feel that it will reach a conclusion in the next one-two months. -Zee Media Newsroom
