After Royal Enfield, Bajaj Auto is the second two-wheeler maker to commence exports to Russia and has appointed a local distributor to retail the bike in the country.
While India is accustomed to importing the Russian-made MIG jet fighters and Mi-175 helicopters among other military equipment, the Russians will now be introduced to some made-in-India performance bikes as Bajaj Auto has commenced exporting the Pulsar range of motorcycles to the country. The Pune based manufacturer is the second Indian company after Royal Enfield to export two-wheelers to the Russian Federation.
Bajaj believes that the Russian market has good potential and has appointed a local partner that will be distributing the bike across the country. The automaker will be sending the motorcycles as kits that need to be assembled locally. While Hero MotoCorp has managed to open up its first overseas manufacturing plant in Colombia, the automaker finds the CKD assembly route more cost effective and will continue to use the same business model for Eurasian country. The domestic distributor is also developing the channel to market and service the bikes.
Bajaj Auto ranks number one when it comes to two-wheeler exports shipping products to over 55 countries worldwide. In FY2015, the manufacturer’s total exports stood at 1.52 million units with a growth of over 15 percent while it contributed a market share of 62 percent in total domestic exports that amounted to 2.45 million units during the previous financial year. In addition, Bajaj ships its products to Africa, Latin and Central America, South East and West Asia. The automaker also managed to make its foray in developed markets like Europe and Japan where it ships KTM motorcycles.
As the Indian motorcycle space shown signs of slow returns, two-wheeler giants are heavily banking on export markets to justify their massive production volumes. As part of its long-term plan, Bajaj will be venturing into more new markets across the globe but hasn’t confirmed on plans of opening a manufacturing facility overseas. Compatriot Hero MotoCorp is eyeing to expand presence in 50 new markets by 2020 while Honda’s upcoming dedicated scooter production plant will be addressing to domestic and global demand.
