Bajaj Auto will introduce 10 new motorcycle models over the next six weeks, including two all-new Pulsar motorcycles in the 125cc and 150cc segments, as the company looks to strengthen its position in the market ahead of the festive season.
The launches will complete a wider refresh of Bajaj Auto's motorcycle portfolio, following upgrades to several Pulsar models introduced late last year.
"Going forward, we will, in the next six weeks, completely make over the portfolio by adding another 10 models, two of which would be absolutely new motorcycles, they will be absolutely new motorcycles in the 125 and the 150cc segments, though under the Pulsar brand," Joint Managing Director Rakesh Sharma told reporters after the company's first-quarter earnings.
The company had already begun updating its motorcycle range after identifying slowing momentum in some existing products.
"We had launched a portfolio makeover post-festive last year, beginning November, because a lot of the portfolio which had been, which had sort of held us in good stead since post-COVID and then you know driven our market share expansions, had started to exhibit end-of-cycle fatigue. We prioritised the 150cc's first, and we had upgraded many of our models in the November-December period; I think eight odd models have been upgraded," Sharma said.
He said the remaining launches would begin rolling out from August, with the full portfolio expected to be refreshed before this year’s festive season.
"So you know by the time we approach the festive in October, you should have a completely new and upgraded portfolio, part of which is already in play, part of which is going to start unfolding from August onwards. We will continue this movement of expansion of market share in a whole strategic area of the upper half of the industry," he said.
Apart from motorcycles, Bajaj Auto also plans to expand its electric scooter portfolio under the Chetak brand. When asked about new launches, Sharma said: "We have got a couple of launches coming up, which will open up new segments, very interesting launches in the next six months."
He added that the company would continue expanding the Chetak range rather than introducing another electric scooter brand. On electric motorcycles, Sharma confirmed the company is developing products for the segment.