Bajaj Auto expands export operations, takes Pulsar to Russia

People in Russia will soon be able to sample some Indian style performance motorcycling. Bajaj Auto has begun exporting its popular Pulsar range of motorcycles to the country. With this, it becomes the second motorcycle manufacturer to export bikes to Russia (Royal Enfield being the first one to get there).

The move comes on the heels of reports about the company’s plans to establish itself as a serious player in the global motorcycling space. It has even tied up with a local distributor there, to ensure that sales go-off without a glitch.

Bajaj Auto will be exporting its bikes in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) form, with the kits being reassembled before sale. Weighing in on the alternatives, Bajaj decided against local manufacturing, preferring instead to go down the local assembly route in favour of cost benefits.

A full-fledged production plant, though desirable, would delay roll-out plans and, we think that Bajaj has chosen wisely to test the waters first, before committing itself further.

The singular focus on motorcycles and affordable performance motorcycling by Bajaj Auto seems to be paying off for the manufacturer. Recent acquisitions such as KTM have not just beefed up its arsenal of weapons, but it has also given it certain strategic benefits, that could pay rich dividends in the time to come.