Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, has revealed some interesting details about the Pulsar brand to Forbes. For starters, Bajaj denied the possibility of creating a 125cc Pulsar stating that while people would love to have a new, entry-level Pulsar, it would not be desirable for the company's bottom line.
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Apart from an update on the 125cc Pulsar, Rajiv Bajaj also stated that the two-wheeler brand would overhaul the existing Pulsar range. Rajiv Bajaj said that the new emission norms would serve as a great opportunity to introduce the model range in new avatar. Previously, the Pulsar range received upgrades in 2017 when the BS-IV norms came into effect.
Bajaj said:
I think in 2020, when new emission norms come, that would be a great opportunity to go to market with a product that is not only much greener but also in a new avatar. We are working on that. In 2020, we should have an all new range of Pulsars and Avengers. We have 40 percent market share, another 17-18 percent each is with TVS and Honda, Yamaha has 15 percent.
What can we expect from Bajaj Auto? While it’s too early to speculate, we expect to see a visual overhaul of the motorcycle range. LED headlights and smartphone connectivity are in demand and it would not be a big surprise to see these upgrades on the next-generation models. The motorcycle would also receive new graphics to add to the look. New safety norms, which are scheduled to come into effect from April 1, 2019, make ABS mandatory for two-wheelers above the 125 cc engine displacement.
From April 1, 2020, all new two-wheelers would have to comply with stricter BS-VI norms. Engine specifications will change, and we may a marginal difference in the performance numbers with new emission norms. The current Pulsar range comprises models with displacement between 150cc and 220cc. The power output ranges from 14 PS on the Pulsar 150 to 24.5 PS on the Pulsar RS200. Expect all-new engines to power the next-generation Pulsar family.
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Currently, the Pulsar range is achieving monthly sales of nearly 70,000 units in the domestic market while exports are doing another 30,000-35,000 units.
[Source: ForbesIndia.com]
