Yes, we have traveled to India (scale in Munich) to visit and check firsthand how it works Bajaj In their local market and, incidentally, “falling in love” of how the motor assembly process has robotized. Yes, you have read well. The standardization of engines is robotic.
Eye, they have rooted the most complicated to obtain a pump proof durability. Well, bombs … there are motorcycles and the best test is to see them roll on those completely loaded “roads”. Either with suspicious packages or people. Many people. Really, all occupants who can. We assume that the limit was in 4. Although we intuit that this number can be extended.
But let’s go back to ours. We did more things. We squeeze the bikes in the brand test circuit. By the way, we tried the Press 125 and 400 In the circuit. The Master 400 We already knew her. We also visited the capital, then the Taj Mahal, later one of the factories that the brand has in Pune to understand why they are one of the largest motorcycle producers in the world and, finally, we leave the country from Mumbay, thousands of kilometers from where our Indian adventure began.
But, of course. First you have to do some history. First of all, the company’s full name is MC Bajaj Auto Limited. On the origins of the company, Bajaj was founded in 1926 by SHRI JAMNA LAL BAJAJwho was the fifth adoptive child of Mahatma Gandhi.
Since its inception, the company adopted a key principle: “The common good is more important than individual benefit “. It was not until 1945 when his foray began in the world of motorcycles, and since then Bajaj It has experienced unstoppable growth, consolidating itself as one of the most important brands in the industry globally. In fact, it currently has a template of 11,000 employees worldwide and millions of motorcycles sold every year. In total the brand sells more than 14 million vehicles a year. A madness, yes.
Thus, at present, the impact of Bajaj In the two -wheeled industry it is undeniable. Since 2017 it has 48% of the shares of Piere Mobility Agthe group that encompasses KTM, Husqvarna and Gasgas. By the way, we have spoken you long and lying to the problem in which this Austrian giant is.
But let’s continue. Besides, Bajaj It is among the three main motorcycle manufacturers globally. In the three-wheeled vehicles segment, Bajaj leads the production of motorcycle, commonly known as “tuk-tuk.” Vehicles that dominate, like access motorcycles, urban landscape. Eye, in India the roads populate as if they were flies in summer.
Throughout its history, Bajaj He has established several strategic alliances. But one of the most significant was with Kawasaki. From the Japanese they obtained a clear synergy, knowledge about engineering, optimization of quality production and control lines, fundamental elements to raise the standard of their products. This has allowed Bajaj to develop motorcycles with high levels of reliability and quality.
Eye, it has rained. The last outstanding collaboration between the two companies was the manufacture of NINJA 250R back in 2009. Currently, they manufacture all the KTM below 500 cc and the same goes for TRIUMPH.
The children under 500 CC are also theirs. We saw it with our own eyes. Of course, they manufacture enough more KTM that TRIUMPH. Hence, the propulsters of the English are assembled, by circulation number, in a semi -robotic production line. Unlike KTM that came out like churros from the line.
This was our journey to Bajaj’s India
Now, but for a short time, we must tell you the experience of our trip. After landing in India, specifically in New Delhi, we took advantage of the first day to rest and then learn a little about the city. We visited the imposing door of Delhi and the Temple of Gold. Of course, the jam in a city of more than 27 million people was guaranteed. And, it didn’t fail.
The next day, soon soon and speaking in agra, we contemplate one of the seven wonders of the world: the Taj Mahal. Then, we fly to Pune and visit a plant, which we will talk about later. And, finally, we met the bustle, chaos and overpopulation of Mumbay, the most densely populated and financial center in the country. Without a doubt, an authentic madness of city.
In New Delhi, traffic chaos is somewhat more controlled. In Mumbay it is totally out of control. After seeing “thousands” of motorcycles in the capital, in Mumbay they were “millions”, and in smaller, narrow and rich streets. The traffic jam was several hours within the city. Of course, a jam enlivened by the normalized chaos in which they live.
There was where we focused, more in detail, in the Indian Motorcycle Park. Without a doubt, in terms of the most popular brands it is evident that Press (Bajaj), TVS and Hero-Honda They dominate the panorama. Some are also seen Royal Enfield, KTM and Yamahaalthough the latter seem to have left their work facet behind to become more focused on emotionality options.
After a little tourism, and an internal flight, we arrive at the Chakan Plant 1 test circuit of the brand in Pune. A narrow circuit, with more than 3 km in length, starting in a very revured area, a long line of more than 1 km, a curve of left -wing, another line and, finally, quick curves to start over. A very worthy route.
There we climb the Dominate 400that we already knew, and the Press 125 and Press 400. They also left us an electric tuk-tuk and the Chetak. This is the electric bet, with the classical scooter -shaped, of the Indian brand. On the layout, of course, we focus on trying all the models of each firm in Spain.
Eye because they are two brands, one is Master And the other is Press. Bajaj He is the manufacturer and owner of both. In fact, each will have its differentiated space in each concessionaire of Bajaj In Spain. This is when we have to talk about the distributor, the UMA Group. Import company of the brand based in Colombia and recognized efficiency in those parts. In fact, they also have their own assembly factory for their local market. But be careful, only assembly. Importing a complete vehicle is more expensive than assembling it there. Curiosities of the world economy and tariffs.
Of the brand Press The first model to arrive in Spain, and that we tried in the Pune Circuit, was the NS 125. A “Streetfighter” and small displacement naked designed for a young audience and aimed mainly to leisure, although it also has, undoubtedly, work tool characteristics. Although there these frames are “premium”, their use cannot be so. Hence his robustness and low consumption. They are machines to do many kilometers without going through the workshop.
We also tried the Press NS 400. This was the first time we saw her. Like his little sister, he is more sporty cut than Masterbut without forgetting its efficiency. Here they look for some more emotionality. And the completely own production engine, it fulfills. There are 400 cc somewhat lazy, but with high durability. Or we intuit seeing the park of the brand that floods the country.
There was also the first model of Master In Spain, and that has already reached our market, the D400. It is a half -displacement sport tourer that surprises with its balance and also shares mechanics with the click. It is a motorcycle that we have already tried and that we encourage you to read our comments.
It does not stand out in a specific aspect, but it complies with solvency in all lands. In addition, it is an accessible option for those who have the A2 card. Its price of 4,990 euros We intuit it something high. In fact, we transmit it to its managers. “But, for now it is what there is”
Visit to the Bajaj factory in Pune
Now comes the good. Then came the visit to one of the most impressive motorcycle factories in the world: the Bajaj Chakan Plant 2. In this plant, completely immaculate, it is the place where models of KTM, Husqvarna and the TRIUMPH of 400 cc. All of them destined for markets throughout the planet.
It is an impressive factory, each production line assembles a motorcycle per minute in eight -hour shifts, with the possibility of operating double daily shift. But they do not, production, for the moment, is enough for the orders they have.
The efficiency and sustainability of this plant are shocking and worth mentioning. In fact, it is awarded the prestigious International Prize TPMrecognition reserved only for the best automotive factories in the world. But beware, as we have commented, what makes Chakan Plant 2 even more special is not only its production capacity, but its self -sufficiency.
The complex does not depend on external sources of water or electricity. For example, it collects, stores and takes advantage of the rainwater of the monsoon through a funnel of mastodontic dimensions and, in addition, it generates its own energy thanks to thousands of solar panels. And it continues to expand, by the way. You also have to mention the ecosystem they have created: they have planted millions of plants in a space that was previously a “plot.”
Inside everything is impeccable, with an order and cleanliness that contrasts, such as day and night, with what you see outside the enclosure. Already in matter, we could see several production lines of KTM and TRIUMPH. Each motorcycle passes through a rigorous test process, first in a power bank and then on a tour within the factory itself.
Here comes the most notable. In the case of the engines of KTMthe assembly is completely automated, with a robotic production line that handles each piece with millimeter precision. In addition, until the transport of components to the assembly points is robotic. A whole experience walking through those halls with robots with pieces circulating through their lanes and other robots assembling boys without stopping. And, of course, all the same engines. There is no failure here.
Finally, before leaving for Mumbay, we visited the central offices in Akurdi and we had a meeting with their highest managers. To the question of what differentiates them with the Chinese, the summary is: quality. Quality controls are more numerous and contrasted. His Chakan 2 factory is light years away from the Chinese.
Back to Spain and to close this chapter, the plans of Bajaj By 2025 in our country they are ambitious. The imminent opening of his store in Barcelona is only the first step, since they also plan to inaugurate several more at different strategic points.
As expected, its strategy includes the expansion of the ranges Press and Masterbut, in addition, they will bring the brand to Spain Chetakthe only scooter produced by the group MC Bajaj Auto Limited. Scooter we tried, although they didn’t let us get into the circuit with him.
We will end up stating that it is a privilege that a giant of the industry of this magnitude chooses Spain as a gateway to Europe. And, as their highest managers affirmed, their presence will not be passenger, since its objective is not only to compete, but to understand and adapt to the needs of the European market, taking our country and market, such as the example sufficiently consolidated to start in euros in Spain.
Only time will say how far its impact comes, of course capacity, product and desire, they do not lack. And, economically they are solvent. Of course, we will see how the market acts with these two new brands: Bajaj and Master.
