Bajaj Auto Limited and its partner in Sri Lanka, David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., (DPMC) are confident that the current political and economic situation will soon be resolved in a positive manner and the sales growth trajectory will continue in the country which is a key destination for Bajaj range of vehicles, Senior Vice President, Export Business Unit, Bajaj Auto Ltd., K.S. Grihapathy told Sri Lankan journalists who were on a familiarisation tour of the operations of the company in India last week.
Bajaj enjoys a market share of 92 % for three-wheelers and 65 % for two-wheelers in Sri Lanka.
“The current standoff in Sri Lanka is not unusual to Bajaj which is quite used to ups and downs in markets across the globe. The situation in Sri Lanka is only a temporary setback which will fade off in a matter of time,” Grihapathy said.
Senior officials of Bajaj also said the company through its partners has maintained a steady growth in the market share over the years and is optimistic the growth will continue despite domestic and global tailwinds affecting the global economy.
“Bajaj has faced similar turmoils as currently faced by Sri Lanka in Turkey, Argentina and Nigeria. The scenario in Sri Lanka will rebounce and our business will be back to normal,” Grihapathy said.
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.
“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.”
DPMC, Director, Vehicle Sales, Shanaka 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.
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.
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 include 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 Mn motorcycles and 0.9 Mn 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 Mn motorcycles.
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 Mn 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.