Bajaj Auto is, without any doubt, one of the main motorcycle manufacturers in India and one of the largest exporters globally, with a presence in more than 100 countries. In fact, they are the third largest motorcycle manufacturers globally.
Until now, they only sold mostly in their local market, Africa and South/Central America. Now, the giant begins its journey in Europe, starting in the Iberian Peninsula. And hand in hand with UMA Groupa company with more than half a century of experience in Central America.
But, first of all, let’s do a little history. The company founded in 1945 by Mr. Jamnalal Bajaj It has evolved, since then, from being a local company to becoming the third largest business conglomerate in India, with four production plants in its country and a new center in Brazil, inaugurated this year. As a fact to keep in mind, the founder of Bajaj He was the fifth adopted son of Mahatma Gandhi. Be careful, this is a very illuminating piece of information about the importance of Bajaj in their country of origin.
With a workforce of approximately 10,000 employees worldwide, Bajaj is widely recognized for its strategic alliances with European brands in the sector such as KTM, Husqvarna and Triumph. Now, with almost eight decades of experience behind it, its legacy includes the production of more than 21 million units globally, consolidating itself as a benchmark in the world.
During the launch in our country, presented by Nico Abad and with the presence of important executives from both giants of the automotive industry, a large group of journalists met at the brand new Zarzuela racetrack in the capital. There, the brand presented the Press 125 and Master 400in addition to showing all their potential and what they are willing to achieve, which is no small thing.
To begin with, its goal is in line with our market. Let’s keep in mind that last year they sold, in total, more than 5 million motorcycles in the world. But, of course, in other markets, not in Europe, considered the “Champions League” of motorcycles because of our maturity in the industry.
Dharmesh K BanerjiVice President of Market for International Business of Bajaj Carwho was in Madrid during the presentation, declared: “It is a privilege to announce our arrival in Spain, since it is a market with growing demand in the field of motorcycles that will serve as a lever for growth in Europe. We are convinced that our models, such as the Bajaj Dominar 400 and the Pulsar NS 125, will have an excellent reception among Spanish motorcyclists, thanks to our premium quality and advanced technology.”.
Obviously, the arrival of Bajaj Auto to the Spanish market opens an important opportunity for possible allies and local distributors. And as we have told you, the UMA Group will be the strategic ally of Bajaj in Spain and Portugal, establishing a solid distribution network.
Since its creation in 2017, UMA Group has strengthened its presence, distributing motorcycles and commercial vehicles, with growth that, in 2023, allowed it to reach 270,000 units sold. The roadmap plans to have 60 dealers (45 in Spain and 15 in Portugal) by the end of the first quarter of 2025, which will translate into 80% market coverage. The sales forecast for next year is 1,500 units between both models, with a 5% share in the 125 to 400 cc segment.
Bajaj Auto 2024 range
- Bajaj Dominar 400: This is an attractive naked that is very versatile and focused on users of the A2 license, with a special focus on sport-tourism. Price from 4,999 euros.
- Pulsar NS 125: This is an access naked (125 cc) aimed at a younger audience and owners of a validated B license. Price from 2,750 euros.
Be careful, although both models are new in Europe, since their launch they have accumulated a fleet of 1.5 million units sold and a growth of 27% in 2024. And as the brand states, they stand out for their incredible balance between quality, price and advanced technology, establishing a new boundary between emotionality and use. In addition, they are designed to satisfy those users who seek maximum performance from their motorcycles in any situation, while enjoying a strong brand identity.
He Mr. Dharmesh K Banerjiconcluded: “We are sure that both models will satisfy the needs of the most demanding motorcyclists, in addition to attracting other followers of this field that is growing so much in this country, which in 2023 led, together with Italy, the growth of motorcycle registrations in Europe. . As with all our products, we have used the highest quality standards for the design of these motorcycles that we believe will revolutionize the Spanish two-wheeled market.”.
Expansion plans and future of Bajaj in Spain
Thus, the expansion of Bajaj Auto In Europe, it begins this year in 2024 with Spain and Portugal as the first markets attacked. Looking to the future and aligned with its commitment to sustainability, the company plans to introduce electric motorcycle models in both countries, including its iconic scooter Chetakwhich has been a pioneer in the development of electric mobility since 2019 in India.
As we mentioned at the beginning, Bajaj Auto has extended its presence to more than 100 countries on different continents, exporting more than one million motorcycles annually through a network of 70 distributors. A fact that reflects its reach is that two out of every three motorcycles sold in the world bear the signature of Bajajconsolidating it as the two-wheeled vehicle company with the highest market value.
Motorcycles represent 40% of the company’s global revenue, with an annual turnover of €4.9 billion in fiscal year 2024. During this same period, the company reported a net profit of €820 million and a market capitalization of 33,000 million euros in September 2024. At the group level, including its various companies, the Bajaj Group It has a global market capitalization of $122 billion.
For 75 years, it has offered products of design and technology, with a rigorous focus on quality. Now, finally, we will see how they do in our market. Of course due to energy and experience it will not be. It is a fact, they are going to go in very hard. Let the Chinese brands tremble.
