Bajaj Auto has kept a press conference to celebrate record sales of the Discover. Bajaj Auto sold 35,000 units of the Discover 125 ST since launch. The company claims the Discover brand to be the largest selling bike in the world last month, beating the Hero Splendor. However, Discover 125 ST has never been exported. Hero MotoCorp sold 1,21,018 units of the Splendor, while Bajaj Auto sold 1,22,968 units of the Discover (in September 2012). This gives Hero 39% share, while Bajaj Auto has 35% share in the commuter segment. The Pune based motorcycle-maker aims to capture more share and is just 4% away.
In 2004, when the Discover was launched, it had electric start, alloy wheels, maintenance-free battery, Nitroxx shocks and LEDs. At this time, other motorcycles in the segment had nothing. Bajaj Auto will launch the most advanced 100cc motorcycle in the world in December 2012. However, this 100cc vehicle may not be called Discover but will be equipped with features, which have never been seen on a motorcycle in this segment. One can expect mono-shock suspension, front disc brake and digital instrumentation on the upcoming Bajaj 100cc bike.
Few pointers from the press conference –
1) Bajaj has sold 8500 units of the Pulsar 200 NS.
2) The company expects to sell 10,000 units of Pulsar 200 NS next month.
3) There has not been much impact on the sales of the Pulsar 220 after the launch of Pulsar 200 NS.
4) The company sold 3500 units of Pulsar 220 last month.
5) Export of both Pulsar 200 NS and Discover 125 ST will start from next month.
6) Currently, the production capacity of Bajaj Auto is 4.5 million units per year and this will be increased next year.
While Hero MotoCorp manages to sell close to double the motorcycles, that Bajaj Auto sells, India’s largest motorcycle manufacturer has been under pressure post its break-up with Honda. The Japanese automaker is also close on the heels of Bajaj Auto and is currently fighting for number two position in the Indian market. Honda will eventually take over as the number one motorcycle maker in India, as the company aims to displace Hero from that position by 2020.
