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Bajaj Auto

Bajaj Auto is set to amplify the promotion of CNG-powered vehicles to boost sales of its Freedom brand.

Bajaj Auto is focusing on increasing awareness about its Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle, which was launched last year. The company claims that the motorcycle lowers operating costs by 50% compared to similar ICE-only motorcycles, but the main challenge is the limited network of gas stations. The company plans to build awareness centers and conduct aggressive campaigning in regions where CNG demand is increasing to drive customer engagement beyond showrooms.

Sales of the Freedom 125 have not picked up as expected, with customers expressing concerns about waiting in long queues at gas stations. However, Bajaj is addressing this issue by setting up exclusive CNG dispensing points for two-wheelers. The company is confident that sales will grow with increased word-of-mouth as customers become aware of the low operating costs.

Bajaj Auto launched the Freedom 125 in a phased manner, starting with Maharashtra and Gujarat, which have a stronger CNG filling network. The company has been ramping up its dispatches every consecutive month in anticipation of strong festive demand. According to SIAM data, the company has dispatched around 5,000 units of the model each month over the last two months.

TVS Motor is also looking to invest in CNG two-wheelers, showcasing a concept model of the Jupiter CNG scooter at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025. Bajaj Auto’s electric vehicle (EV) business has turned marginally profitable, led by an improvement in unit economics for the Chetak e-scooters. The company’s EV and CNG business now contributes 45% to its overall business, an increase from 30% in Q3 FY24.

The company is optimistic about the growth of its EV and CNG business, and is planning to expand its network of gas stations to make CNG more accessible to customers. With its aggressive marketing and sales strategy, Bajaj Auto is confident that it can drive growth in the CNG two-wheeler market and become a major player in the industry.

According to reports, Bajaj Auto may assemble Microlino in India, as per the latest update from electrive.com.

Bajaj Auto, an Indian two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer, is reportedly considering producing the Microlino, a microcar from Switzerland-based MYMIC, in India. The Microlino is a small, electric-powered vehicle that was first unveiled in 2016. It has a length of just 2,991 mm, a width of 1,398 mm, and a height of 1,444 mm, making it an ideal urban runabout.

According to Electrive, the Indian government has been promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its efforts to reduce pollution and emissions. As a result, Bajaj Auto is looking to capitalize on this trend by partnering with MYMIC to produce the Microlino in India. The company plans to adapt the vehicle to local market conditions, including the availability of charging infrastructure and the preference for smaller, more affordable vehicles.

The Microlino has a range of around 150 km on a single charge and can be fully charged in under 3.5 hours. It has a top speed of 100 km/h and a power output of 13.5 kW. The vehicle has a minimalist design, with a focus on practicality and affordability. It has a single door and a unique, space-efficient interior that allows for a single passenger and limited luggage space.

Bajaj Auto has already established itself as a leading player in the Indian two-wheeler market, with a portfolio of popular models such as the Pulsar, Avenger, and Dominar. The company has also been expanding its presence in the three-wheeler market with its RE Range of electric rickshaws.

The Microlino has the potential to be a popular choice in Indian cities, where traffic congestion and parking challenges are common. Its compact size, ease of maneuverability, and eco-friendly nature make it an attractive option for urban commuters. Additionally, the vehicle’s low cost and energy efficiency could make it an affordable and practical solution for many Indians.

While Bajaj Auto has not yet confirmed the Microlino’s production plans in India, the company’s partnership with MYMIC could lead to the introduction of this innovative microcar to the Indian market in the near future.

Bajaj Auto’s Qute exports soared 101% to 5456 units between April and December.

Bajaj Auto, India’s leading two-wheeler and three-wheeler exporter, has achieved its best-ever exports of the Qute quadricycle, with a rise of 101% year-on-year growth (April-December 2023: 2,708 units) in the current fiscal year. The company has shipped a total of 5,456 Qutes, with December being the best month, and April 2020 being the highest monthly export number.

The Qute, India’s first-ever quadricycle, was launched in 2019, and since its introduction, only 3,271 units have been sold in the domestic market, down 81% YoY (April-December 2023: 625 units). However, the demand for Qute exports has been strong, with exports to Egypt, Turkey, and Ghana, among others.

The recognition of quadricycles as a new vehicle category in Egypt, following a ban on three-wheelers, is expected to give a significant boost to Qute exports, with the government planning to replace all three-wheelers with quadricycles. This move could translate into a strong export business opportunity for Bajaj Auto.

Additionally, the company is working on the electric avatar of the Qute, which is expected to be available with CNG and petrol powertrains and appeal to both personal and commercial users. The company’s diversification into electric vehicles has been successful, with over 193,000 Chetaks sold and 42,000 units of zero-emission three-wheelers.

As the government focuses on the electric vehicle market, Bajaj Auto is likely to invest in upgrading the Qute platform, providing customers with a tech-savvy product. With the company’s strong three-wheeler presence in Egypt and its existing export momentum, the Qute is well-positioned to drive the company’s growth in the coming years.