Bajaj Auto has recently launched the Pulsar NS400Z which is the biggest bike yet in the Pulsar Lineup. The brand has now hinted towards more offerings in this 400cc segment. Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto said that this is the most lucrative motorbike segment in the world since it is high in revenue, high in the bottom line, high on imagery and so it’s good for both the brand and product in every way.
Bajaj Plans More 400cc Bikes – Dominar 2.0 Incoming?
Bajaj further said during the launch event on Friday that it sells about 25,000 to 30,000 units a month in the 400cc segment alongside its partner brands KTM, Husqvarna and Triumph and there’s still enough headroom to grow. When asked about potential cannibalization within the 400cc portfolio of the brand, he explains that Bajaj Auto is not 80% of the market even though it’s doing well and with a share of 20 to 25% in the segment, there’s an opportunity to grow much higher, so there’s so much to gain when compared to the little of cannibalization that might occur along the way.
When asked about future plans for the Dominar brand, Rakesh Sharma, the brand’s executive director said that the brand has plans to renovate and take the Dominar brand to another level and they just have to make a few trips back here in the meantime. The statement hints at a packed year for the company, with loads of offerings planned across the segments.
The new Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z is positioned as a streetfighter which is different from the 400cc Dominar that belongs to the Sports Tourer category, so both cater to different buyers and character-wise too, they are different machines, as claimed by the management.
The 350 to 500cc segment has seen quite some action in recent years with 25 models available In the Indian market. According to Rakesh Sharma, the premium motorbike market is split into 2 categories – the Classic Segment (Which Royal Enfield excels at) and the Non-Classic Segment which includes sport bikes, tourers, ADVs and more.
Sharma adds that, unlike the low growth rate of the Classic Segment, the Non-classic Segment is growing at a faster 13 to 14% rate and the new Pulsars and Dominars belong to that category so the brand is very much confident of further growth in the segment.
