Last Updated on October 10, 2023 by BFSLTeam BFSLTeam
If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle or a three-wheeler in India, there’s a good chance it had the unmistakable Bajaj badge on it. Bajaj Auto Ltd., with its rich history and innovative products, has been an integral part of India’s automotive landscape. With a market presence spanning over 70 countries, it’s often referred to as ‘The World’s Favourite Indian.’
It’s not just the largest two- and three-wheeler manufacturer in the world, but also the most valuable. This iconic company has played a crucial role in shaping India’s mobility landscape and continues to innovate, setting trends in the industry. In this blog, we’ll take you through the amazing journey of Bajaj Auto Limited, its major subsidiaries, acquisitions, and its impressive lineup of products and brands.
Table of Content
About Bajaj Auto Ltd.
| Aspect | Details |
| Founder | Jamnalal Bajaj |
| Industry Type | Automotive |
| Year Founded | 1945 |
| Headquarters | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| Key People | Niraj R. Bajaj (Chairman)Rajiv Bajaj (Managing Director) |
| Parent Company/Owner | Bajaj Group |
| Number of Countries | Over 70 |
| Market Cap | ₹1.43 trillion |
| Total Number of Employees | 82,000+ |
Overview of Bajaj Auto Ltd.
As India’s leading motorcycle exporter, Bajaj Auto Ltd. is responsible for two out of every three motorcycles with the prestigious Bajaj badge finding homes in international markets. Moreover, it is the world’s largest manufacturer of three-wheelers, catering to various transportation needs.
An exceptional milestone in the journey of Bajaj Auto Ltd. is its achievement of reaching a market capitalisation of ₹1 trillion. This achievement cements its position as the most valuable two and three-wheeler company globally. This remarkable feat is a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and relentless dedication to customer satisfaction.
Also Read: Reliance Industries Ltd.
Bajaj Auto Ltd. History
1945: The journey began in 1945 when a Gandhian family established M/s Bachhraj Trading Corporation Private Limited on 29th November. Little did they know that this humble beginning would evolve into an automotive giant.
1948: Bajaj Auto started selling imported two- and three-wheelers in India, marking the beginning of its domestic presence.
1959: The Indian government granted Bajaj Auto a licence to start manufacturing two- and three-wheelers, setting the stage for self-sufficiency.
1960: The launch of Vespa 150, under licence from Piaggio of Italy, marked a significant milestone. Its stylish design and peppy engine made it an instant hit in India.
1970: Bajaj Auto rolled out its 100,000th vehicle, symbolising the company’s growth in an emerging automotive market.
1971: The launch of the first three-wheeler goods carrier by Bajaj Auto supported India’s burgeoning industry and entrepreneurship.
1972: The iconic Chetak scooter pioneered personal transportation and became an enduring symbol of aspiration for generations of Indians.
1977: The introduction of the Rear Engine (RE) auto rickshaw made it an iconic presence on Indian roads, recognised worldwide.
1981: The Bajaj M50 became popular in suburban and rural markets for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and ruggedness.
1986: Bajaj Auto partnered with Kawasaki and launched the legendary KB100 motorcycle.
1989: The nationwide ‘Hamara Bajaj’ campaign transformed Bajaj scooters into more than just transportation; it captured India’s imagination.
1990: The introduction of Sunny with its 60cc engine and a top speed of 50 kmph made it a bestseller among college-goers.
1991: The Kawasaki Bajaj 4S Champion with its easy handling became a favourite among daily commuters.
1995: In its 50th year, Bajaj Auto celebrated sales of ten million vehicles, with over one million vehicles sold in a single financial year.
1997: The rugged and utilitarian Bajaj Boxer achieved massive success, especially in Africa.
1998: Bajaj Caliber reached a remarkable sales figure of 100,000 bikes within just 12 months of its launch.
2001: Bajaj Auto revolutionised sports biking in India with the launch of the Pulsar, redefining how people rode bikes.
2002: Bajaj Auto began its journey as a leading motorcycle brand in over 70 countries, starting with large-scale exports to Mexico.
2003: The iconic Bajaj Pulsar received an upgrade with patented DTS-i technology, enhancing efficiency and performance.
2004: Bajaj Auto launched two new bikes, Discover and CT 100, expanding its range of commuter motorcycles.
2005: The Bajaj Avenger brought a revolution to the cruiser segment with its unmatched riding comfort and style.
2006: Bajaj Platina, designed for value-conscious customers, received an overwhelming response, crossing 500,000 unit sales within eight months.
2007: Bajaj Auto and KTM announced an equity partnership, bringing high-performance racing bikes to India. A new plant in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, was inaugurated.
2009: The launch of the Bajaj Pulsar 220 captivated young daredevils and became a resounding success.
2013: KTMs made in India, Duke 125 and Duke 250, brought performance biking to a wider audience.
2015: Pulsar RS200, the fastest in the Pulsar family, was launched. Bajaj Auto also introduced Qute, India’s first quadricycle for last-mile public transport.
2016: Bajaj Auto introduced the Dominar 400, its high-performance motorcycle, and the Bajaj V, crafted using metal obtained from INS Vikrant.
2019: The iconic Chetak scooter returned in an all-electric avatar, covering 70,000 km across India. Pulsar 125 became the fastest-selling Pulsar ever.
2020: Bajaj Auto invested ₹650 Crores in a new plant at Chakan for high-end motorcycles. It also announced a partnership with Triumph Motorcycles.
2021: The flagship Pulsar introduced an entirely fresh platform, showcasing its largest engine to date, and unveiled two striking variants: the Pulsar F250 and N250.
2022: Bajaj Auto committed to investing ₹300 Crores in a manufacturing unit at Akurdi, targeting 500,000 EV units per year.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.
Major Subsidiaries of Bajaj Auto Ltd.
PT. Bajaj Auto Indonesia
With a substantial 99.25% ownership by Bajaj Auto Ltd., PT. Bajaj Auto Indonesia is a key player in the trading, import, and export of Bajaj Auto’s two- and three-wheelers in the Indonesian market. This subsidiary strengthens Bajaj Auto’s foothold in Southeast Asia.
Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV, Netherlands: Operating at full ownership, this Dutch-based subsidiary has been instrumental in Bajaj Auto’s strategic investments. It has facilitated investments of €198.1 million (₹1,219 crore) in KTM Group, Austria, further enhancing Bajaj Auto’s global reach.
Bajaj Auto (Thailand) Limited
Established as a wholly-owned subsidiary in Thailand, this entity holds an issued and subscribed share capital of Thai Baht (THB) 45 million (₹11 crore). It serves as the hub for International Business and Engineering Design Centers, contributing to product innovation and market expansion.
Bajaj Auto Spain, S. L.
As a wholly-owned subsidiary based in Barcelona, Spain, this entity has established a Design Studio/office, facilitating design innovation and market insights for Bajaj Auto’s products.
Chetak Technology Limited: This wholly-owned subsidiary is created with a forward-looking approach to leverage growth opportunities in the evolving mobility landscape. It aims to venture into the manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid vehicles in various categories, including 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, and light 4-wheelers.
Bajaj Auto Consumer Finance Limited
This 100% captive finance subsidiary is exclusively dedicated to financing vehicles manufactured and/or marketed by Bajaj Auto Limited and its subsidiaries/associates. The company has applied for registration as an NBFC with the RBI, further enhancing its financing capabilities.
Major Acquisitions by Bajaj Auto Ltd.
KTM Group, Austria
Bajaj Auto Ltd., through its subsidiary Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV, made a substantial investment of €198.1 million (approximately ₹1,219 crore) in the KTM Group, based in Austria. This strategic investment has strengthened Bajaj’s presence in the premium motorcycle segment and paved the way for the exchange of cutting-edge technology between the two companies.
Triumph Motorcycles Partnership
Bajaj Auto Ltd. entered into a partnership with the renowned Triumph Motorcycles, a British motorcycle manufacturing giant. This partnership not only brings Triumph’s legendary bikes to the Indian market but also sets the stage for developing a new engine and vehicle platform catering to motorcycles ranging from 200 to 750cc.
Products/Brands under Bajaj Auto Ltd.
1. Pulsar
The Pulsar series, comprising models like the Pulsar 150, 180, and 220F, has been a game-changer in the Indian motorcycle market. Known for their powerful performance and sporty design, Pulsar motorcycles offer an exhilarating riding experience.
2. Dominar
Dominar motorcycles are designed for those seeking power and performance on the road. With models like the Dominar 250 and 400, these bikes are favoured by adventure enthusiasts and long-distance riders.
3. Chetak
The iconic Chetak name has been revived as an electric scooter, reflecting Bajaj Auto’s commitment to sustainability and modern design. The Chetak electric scooter is an eco-friendly urban mobility solution.
4. Avenger
The Avenger series redefined the cruiser motorcycle segment in India. Avenger bikes are known for their comfortable ride and timeless style, making them a preferred choice for cruising enthusiasts.
5. Platina
Platina motorcycles are designed for riders seeking a perfect balance of comfort and performance. They are ideal for daily commuting, offering reliability and efficiency.
6. CT 100
CT 100 motorcycles are known for their affordability and practicality. These bikes provide a budget-friendly option for those looking for reliable transportation.
7. KTM (Part of Bajaj)
Bajaj Auto has a stake in KTM, a renowned Austrian motorcycle brand. KTM motorcycles are known for their off-road capabilities and high-performance on-road models, appealing to enthusiasts worldwide.
8. Triumph (Upcoming)
In partnership with Triumph Motorcycles, Bajaj Auto is set to introduce a new range of bikes in the 200-750cc segment. These bikes will combine British engineering with Indian innovation.
Conclusion
As India’s top exporter of two- and three-wheelers, the company is devoted to eco-friendly mobility, evident in its substantial ₹300 Crore investment to produce 500,000 electric vehicles annually. Bajaj Auto Ltd. remains a symbol of innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.
