Even as the domestic motorcycle market, particularly the commuter bike segment, is feeling the pressure of inclement sales, Pune-based Bajaj Auto is riding a wave of export-led demand. In August, its overseas shipments of 180,339 units saw it  record strong 26% year-on-year growth (August 2020: 142,838). 

Demand in India fell 11% in August to 157,971 units (August 2020: 178,220) but the export performance helped balance out the overall equation to a five percent uptick in overall sales.

However, when the company’s performance is seen on the cumulative sales (April-August 2021) front, the numbers look promising at this stage of the fiscal. The 656,755 units sold in the first five months of FY2021 in India are a 27% YoY increase while exports at 911,429 units constitute 106% YoY growth. It is to be noted that a year ago, exports to most global markets were down due to lockdowns. Nevertheless, the export tally till end-August is already 50% of the total 17,96,518 units exported in 12 months of FY2021.