INTRODUCTION



INTRODUCTION

Today motorcycles are everywhere and there are lots of different classes or kinds of motorcycles as well. The first motorcycle ever assembled was built by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in 1885 in Bad Cannstatt in Germany. They were actually focusing more on the motor that was installed to power the two-wheeled contraption and not so much on creating a new kind of vehicle, but the resulting impact on motorized travel would be tremendous. There were earlier versions of steam powered bicycles, but this was the first petroleum powered motorcycle.

Not long afterward in 1894 the very first production motorcycle went on sale as the Hildebrand & Wolfmüller motorcycle. It wasn’t long after that before several of the bicycle companies of that time got into the act and started selling versions of what were essentially motorized bicycles. However, as horsepower increased, the engines started to outgrow the bicycle frames that were used as their carriage.

The most popular motorcycle company before World War 1 was Indian motorcycle. After the war, Harley Davidson took over the number one spot until 1928 when Dampf Kraft Wagen (German: steam-driven car)(DWK) became the leading motorcycle manufacturer in the world. For a few years after World War 2 Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) took over as the largest motorcycle producer until 1955 when NSU Motor works who had started out as a knitting machine company in 1884 became the dominant manufacturer for the next couple of decades.

Then in the 1970s the Japanese companies Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki made their entrance into this field, changed the face of the industry, and quickly became the dominant motorcycle suppliers to the world from then on. Today, the big four motorcycle makers have penetrated practically every motorcycle market in the world, and they are highly regarded as makers of high quality motorcycle products.

In recent years some of the older motorcycle brands like the Indian have regained popularity with Harley Davidson being the most successful by far.

HISTORY OF INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA:

The Indian two wheeler industry made a small beginning in the early 50s when Automobile Product of India (API) started manufacturing scooters in the country. Until 1958, API and Enfield were the sole producers.

In 1948 Bajaj auto began trading in imported Vespa scooters and three wheelers. Finally, in 1960, it set up a shop to manufacture them in technical collaboration with Piaggio of Italy. The agreement expired in 1971. In the initial stages, Automobile products of India(API) dominated the scooter segment; Bajaj auto later overtook it. Although various government and private enterprise entered the fray for scooters, the only new player that has lasted till today is Lohia Machinery Limited( LML). Under the regulated regime, foreign companies were not allowed to operate in India. It was a complete seller market with the waiting period for getting a scooter from Bajaj Auto being as high as 12 years.

The motorcycles segment was no different, with only three manufacturers viz Enfield, Ideal Jawa and Escorts. While Enfield bullet was four-stroke bike, jawa and the Rajdoot were two-stroke bikes. Enfield 350cc bikes and Escorts 175cc bike initially dominated the motorcycle segment.

The two–stroke motorcycles are positioned as power bikes by making use of their high power delivery to cater the young generation. Four-stroke motorcycle is positioned as fuel-efficient and environment friendly vehicle.

The industry had a smooth ride in 50s, 60s and 70s when the government prohibited new entries and strictly controlled capacity expansion. The industry saw a sudden growth in the 80s. The entry of kinetic Honda in mid-eighties with a barometric scooter helped in providing ease of use to the scooter owners. This helped in inducing youngsters and working women, towards buying scooters, who were earlier, inclined towards moped purchasing. In the 90s, this trend was reversed with the introduction of scooterettes. In line with this, the scooter segment has consistently lost its part of the market share in the two-wheeler market.

In 1990, the entire automobile industry saw a drastic fall in demand. Barring hero Honda, all major products suffered from recession in FY93 and fy94. Hero Honda showed a marginal decline in 1992.

The factors for the growth of motorcycles in India:

• The Gross Domestic Product has grown to 8%

• The average family income has increased

• The finance have become easier to access

• The reduction in taxes and duties

• Introduction of international standards in India

• The economic and fuel-efficient engines

• The teenager and the youth using more and more motorcycles

Some of the major manufacturers of Motorcycles in India:

➢ Bajaj Auto

Bajaj Avenger

Bajaj CT 100

Bajaj Discover

Bajaj Platina

Bajaj Pulsar DTSi

Bajaj Pulsar 200CC

Bajaj Wind 125

Sonic DTSi

➢ Hero Honda

Hero Honda Achiever

Hero Honda CD Dawn

Hero Honda CD Deluxe

Hero Honda Glamour

Hero Honda Karizma

Hero Honda Passion Plus

Hero Honda Splendor

Hero Honda Splendor NXG

Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme

➢ TVS

TVS Apache

TVS Centra

TVS Fiero

TVS Star City

TVS Victor

➢ Royal Enfield

Bullet 350

Bullet 500

Bullet Electra

Bullet Machismo

Thunderbird

➢ Yamaha

Yamaha Crux

Yamaha Enticer

Yamaha Gladiator

Yamaha Libero G5

Yamaha Alba 106

CURRENT SCENARIO

2007 has been relatively exciting year in the Indian motorcycle industry. Relatively because the predictions that manufacturer would be selling foreign motorcycles have not yet come true. May be because they are apprehensive or maybe too busy upgrading their products. May be 2008 will be the year of big imported bikes.

Nevertheless, 2007 has been exciting because the current crop of machines have evolved across all aspect. Take for instance the world famous splendor, which has been significant updated. Hero Honda has also been busy with the CBZ-xtreme and its macho-themed restyle, the Hunk. Baja’s biggest launch this year of course is the XCD with the styling and power of a 125cc at the price of a 100cc. It is engineered straight to get an edge on the entry level motorcycle segment. In the premier segment, Bajaj launched the Pulsar 200DTSi and also put the same 200cc engine in the Avenger. Their flagship, the 200DTD-Fi, finally made it to showroom floors as well. Another addition to the premium segment was the much awaited Royal Enfield Machismo 500.

But the place where the competition was really brewing was the 150 cc segment. Honda’s Unicorn received a not far behind in introducing the brilliant Apache RTR 160. TVS also unveiled some great motorcycles for the coming year, with funky looking Flame and electric Scooty. Speaking of which, kinetic and Suzuki have entered the scooter race with the Flyte and Access respectively, while the age on Honda’s Activa is now beginning to show.

BAJAJ AUTO - DISTINCTLY AHEAD

Bajaj Auto is a major Indian automobile manufacturer. It is India's largest and the world's 4th largest two- and three-wheeler maker. It is based in Pune, Maharashtra, with plants in Akurdi and Chakan (near Pune),Waluj (near Aurangabad) and Pantnagar in Uttaranchal. Bajaj Auto makes and exports motor scooters, motorcycles and the auto rickshaw.

The Forbes Global 2000 list for the year 2005 ranked Bajaj Auto at 1946.

Over the last decade, the company has successfully changed its image from a scooter manufacturer to a two wheeler manufacturer. Its product range encompasses Scooterettes, Scooters and Motorcycles. Its real growth in numbers has come in the last four years after successful introduction of a few models in the motorcycle segment.

The company is headed by Rahul Bajaj who is worth more than US$1.5 billion.

Bajaj Auto came into existence on November 29, 1945 as M/s Bachraj Trading Corporation Private Limited. It started off by selling imported two- and three-wheelers in India. In 1959, it obtained license from the Government of India to manufacture two- and three-wheelers and it went public in 1960. In 1970, it rolled out its 100,000th vehicle. In 1977, it managed to produce and sell 100,000 vehicles in a single financial year. In 1985, it started producing at Waluj in Aurangabad. In 1986, it managed to produce and sell 500,000 vehicles in a single financial year. In 1995, it rolled out its ten millionth vehicles and produced and sold 1 million vehicles in a year.

Spinoffs and acquisitions

It has been reported that Bajaj is headed for a de-merger into two separate companies: Bajaj Auto and Bajaj Finance. It is expected that the sum of the parts created will be worth more than the current whole, as was the case in the de-merger of Reliance Industries.

In November 2007, Bajaj Auto acquired 14.5% stake in KTM (Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen) Power Sports AG (holding company of KTM Sportmotocycles AG). The two

Companies have signed a cooperation deal, by which KTM will provide the know-how for joint development of the water-cooled 4 stroke 125 and 250 cc engines, and Bajaj will take over the distribution of KTM products in India and some other Southeast Asian nations. Bajaj Auto said, it is open to take a majority stake in KTM and is also looking at other takeover opportunities. On the 8th of January 2008, Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj confirmed the collaboration and announced Bajaj Auto's intention to gradually increase their stake in KTM to 25%.

FOLLOWIN IS THE PRODUCT LINE OF BAJAJ AUTOS:

➢ Scooters

• Bajaj Kristal DTSi

➢ Motorcycles

• Bajaj CT 100

• Bajaj Platina

• Bajaj Discover 110cc

• Bajaj XCD 125 DTS-Si

• Bajaj Discover DTS-i 135cc

• Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTSi

• Bajaj Pulsar 180 DTSi

• Bajaj Pulsar 200 DTSi

• Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi

• Bajaj Avenger

➢ Upcoming Models

• Bajaj Blade

• Bajaj Sonic

➢ Discontinued Models

• Bajaj Sunny

• Bajaj Chetak

• Bajaj Cub

• Bajaj Super

• Bajaj Wave

• Bajaj Legend

• Bajaj Bravo

• Kawasaki Eliminator

• Bajaj Kawasaki Wind 125

• Bajaj Kawasaki 4s Champion

• Bajaj Kawasaki KB 100 RTZ

• Bajaj Boxer

• Bajaj Caliber

• Bajaj Wind

Bajaj Pulsar 200 DTSi

Bajaj Auto, the pioneer in performance biking has further extended the portfolio with the launch of the new 200 cc ‘Pulsar’ DTS-i launched at New Delhi on 13th feb,2007.The latest offering has set new benchmarks in technology, performance, and styling to address the needs of a growing segment of pro-bikers.

The new Pulsar has many firsts to its credit. It comes equipped with an Oil cooler, which helps control engine oil temperatures at sustained high speeds and rpms, thus ensuring more stable engine oil viscosity. The 200cc DTS-i engine generates 18 Ps of raw pulsating power to provide riding excitement to performance hungry bikers. This makes the Pulsar 200 the sportiest and stylish powerhouse on two wheels to pace the Indian roads. It’s also the first bike in India to feature both front and rear tubeless tyres, which besides offering superior stability are safer than conventional tube types and in sync with the offerings abroad for similar applications. The rear tyre is the broadest in its category to ensure better road grip and stability.

The new digital console is an advanced version of the latest Pulsar family. Apart from the Digital Odometer, Digital Speedo Meter, Digital Fuel Gauge and two Digital Trip Meters, the console on the 200 cc Pulsar DTS-i has indicators for Air filter condition, Engine temperature, Battery voltage and Oil level, all of which contribute to enhancing rider info for trouble-free riding. Another first is the use of split seats for styling and comfort. The split grab rail perfectly complements the new rear chiseled looks. It is also the first Indian bike to have electric start as the sole means of engine cranking, dispensing with the kick lever.

This launch is in line with co strategy of enhancing product portfolio to offer riding excitement to pro-bikers. Entire focus and effort is to deliver outstanding technology and performance. The new Pulsar has now raised the bar in the motorcycle industry with superior technology and features such as the engine oil cooler, digital console etc.

BAJAJ is already market leader by far in the performance segment and Pulsar 200 DTS-i would further reinforce its position in this important segment. The bike joins the immensely popular 150 cc and the 180cc Pulsar DTS-i to extend the Pulsar DTS-i range across a range of price and performance points.  

WHY TO BUY BAJAJ PULSAR 200 DTSi?

Contrary to popular opinion, the Pulsar 200 actually has more in common with the Pulsar 220 than with the Pulsar 150 and 180. Visually, of course, it resembles a Pulsar 180/150 with the extremely well-executed and noticeable tank extensions. However, look closer and almost everything under the bright work is actually near-220 spec. The 200cc pulsar engine is not fuel injected.

In motion, the pulsar200 feels calm. It’s not a word we’d use to describe any of the other pulsars. The 200’s engine, for some reason, feels like it’s not doing all that much work and is happy to cruise along. Of the lot, the 200’s our pick for the best long distance touring motor. It isn’t slow, and it isn’t frenetic either. On the handling front, like the 220, the pulsar200 is an extremely stable, neutral feeling motorcycle. It isn’t an extremely quick steering motorcycle like say, a cbzx-Tremer or the RTR, and neither does it feel slightly slow steering like the pulsar 150 or 180. Stability and confidence are its hallmarks, and admirably, it retains this character even two-up. Ride quality and braking, similarly, are excellent. There is no doubt that the 200 is the best of the non injected pulsars. We’d go so far as to say that the minor price difference from (Rs6, 456) is small enough for you to seriously consider upping your budget and getting the 200 instead. If you look at it purely from a performance perspective, actually, the 220 suddenly seems overly expensive, the price difference being upward of Rs10, 000, while the performance levels most certainly aren’t that widely separated.

Perhaps the only thing against the 200 is the styling package. While the thicker tyres, the all-black power train and the tank extension do help the 200 standout from many angles, it is hard to distinguish it from a 150 or a 180. This is a common problem, actually, with the pulsar, and the 220 also suffers this from the rear-on angles.

SEGMENTATION, TARGETING AND POSITIONING:

Pulsar is one of my favorite brands both as a bike rider and as a marketer. This bike has virtually redefined biking in this country. Pulsar launched in 2001 is the market leader in the 150 cc + performance bike segment. More than that, this brand changed the fortune of Bajaj Auto Ltd.

Before the launch of Pulsar, Indian bike market was divided broadly into Economy, Executive and Premium Bikes. In 1999 Hero Honda created a new segment of 150 cc performance segment with its CBZ. But Pulsar came and gave a new life into the Performance segment. Although not a pioneer, Pulsar made the performance segment one of the fastest growing segment in the two wheeler market.

It was not only the bike's performance that triggered the brand becoming an icon; a major part of the success was due to the classic advertising campaign by O&M. According to agencyfaqs, the birth of the "Definitely Male " campaign is interesting. The creative honchos found the new product from Bajaj distinctly different. It was Bajaj's first bike without Kawasaki label. The new bike was an R&D and design marvel.Pulsar was designed by the renowned design house Tokyo R&D. O&M knew that the communication of this brand should also be different.Starting with lot of ideas, O&M stuck upon the Big Idea of India's He-Bike. Although lot of bike take the persona of Macho bikes it was more oriented towards being "sexy". The Big Idea was to position the bike as World's first bike endowed with a Sex ( Gender).Thus born the classic campaign of all times " Definitely Male". The campaign together with the design and performance catapulted the brand into stratospheric sales level.

Bajaj targeted the 18-24 with Pulsar but later found that the brand appealed to a much older audience. This helped Bajaj to change its target audience to 21-35 years.

Unlike its old ways of doing things, Bajaj did not rest with the laurels. It knew that Pulsar is the golden key to control the entire bike market. Hence Pulsar got undivided attention from the company. In 2003 another milestone event happened in the product lifecycle of the brand. Bajaj launched its new technology DTSI. DTSi stands for Digital Twin Spark Ignition which delivered more power and efficiency. The increased performance of the brand took Pulsar to greater heights. 2004 and 2005 saw some cosmetic changes in the brand which excited the customers and thus cementing Pulsar's position in the market.

Pulsar came in two variants : 180 cc and 150 cc where 180 cc excited the performance bikers, 150 cc was for the mileage conscious ones. The 150cc variant took lot of customers away from the executive segment to the performance segment.

The brand had its share of marketing flaws also. According to reports, Bajaj reassigns its media duties to two brands O&M and Leo Burnett, every six months.When DTSI was launched, the creative duty was assigned to Leo Burnett. Leo Burnett did a big mistake on the brand by changing the positioning of " Definitely Male" to "Digital Biking". Although the ads were successful in conveying the technological superiority of DTSI and making that acronym popular, it deleted the most successful tagline from the brand's elements.

After ruling the premium bike segment, Bajaj is taking their brand to another level. Bajaj recently launched Bajaj Pulsar 200 Dtsi to take on the comeptition from Hero Honda and the like. The new Pulsar boasts of spruced up engine, new digital console and new style. Pulsar is definitely getting better.

Pulsar 200 is being launched with a new campaign revolving round the concept of Free Biking. Free Biking ( as defined by the brand Pulsar) is all about tackling obstacles.According to company officials, its about how you ride rather than where you ride. The ads made by O&M is filmed at Hawana Cuba ( expensive). Set to pulsating Arabian music, the ad shows how two Pulsar riders discover new route when their main way is blocked by traffic jam.

One word to describe this ad is HYPERBOLE and too much of it. What I feel is that the Big Idea od Free Biking is good but execution is ordinary. What made Pulsar a super brand was its ability to come out with different disruptive campaigns. But in the case of Pulsar 200, it is a sort of cut copy paste from some Hollywood movie (James Bond). More over, the Big Idea is also not properly communicated through the visuals. Also most of the time I was trying to make out some meaning out of the background song, later to find out that it was Arabic.

See the new Pulsar Ad here: Pulsar 200

Now every one is waiting for the new Bajaj 220 cc DTSFI which will redefine the bike segment again.

Sadly Bajaj is no longer using its blockbuster tagline " Definitely Male" but instead is using the corporate brand tagline " Distinctly Ahead". Bajaj earlier had another corporate tagline " Inspiring Confidence" when it completely redesigned its corporate logo and brand.

I still strongly believe that not using "Definitely Male" is a gross injustice to the brand itself. That tagline and positioning has lot of fire with it and except for the initial two campaigns, Pulsar was not able to build on its Definitely Male Platform.

But what ever I say and what ever the agency communicates through the ads, Pulsar has made itself into a position of strength. It has a brand equity so huge that what ever that comes out of it will be lapped up in no time. The success of Pulsar 200 DTSI is no longer dependent on the quality of ads but on the performance it delivers. This brand shows the power of brand equity where customers buy ,irrespective of lousy ads......

4P’S OF MARKETING:

✓ PRODUCT

✓ PRICE

✓ PLACE

✓ PROMOTION

PRODUCT:

The Bajaj Pulsar 200 DTS-i’s higher sportier stance with greater chassis rear inclination is supported with some of these technologically advanced features. A lowered Headlamp/Fairing assembly along with a high tail-end, giving it an aggressive, ready to pounce stance. An all Stainless Steel silencer with an Aluminum muffler can for genuine sporty looks and long life. Large 33 mm Front forks for muscular looks and to take care of the extra suspension and braking loads.

Large 260 mm front disc for strong and predictable stopping power. A unique Auto Switchover feature comes into play in case one of the two Headlamp filaments stops functioning. A unique Battery Energy Conserving feature ensures a fixed delay after 3 continuous cranks. All new ‘Blue tinged’ bulbs for the main headlamp and parking lamps. These emit strong ‘White’ light for a distinctive look. Sleek, Twin row, Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for the tail and brake lamp ensures “Zero Maintenance”, and a long battery life. Backlit, Non-Contact type, Soft-touch Handlebar Switches.

  Self-canceling Indicators that switch off when the turn has been completed and the handlebar comes to a ‘straight ahead’ position with a pre-set automatic switch off function, even if the turn has not been undertaken.

 

Smooth, positive, virtually friction-free gearshift feel with new shifter assembly, an integrated over-shift preventor, and shift forks with rollers mated to a change drum. A Low Maintenance Battery with a unique venting valve, drastically reducing electrolyte loss and therefore reducing frequency of routine maintenance. Black paint theme carried over to the front fork legs, the rear shock absorbers, and the swing arm, in addition to the engine, for deadly looks. High performance exposed ‘O’ ring Drive chain for running in dusty conditions, providing for clean uncluttered looks and commensurate with the bikes image.

Technical Specifications:

Engine Type 4-stroke, DTS-I, Oil cooled

Displacement 198.8 cc

Max Power 18 Ps / 13.25 Kw

Max Torque 1.75 kgm / 17.17 Nm

Suspension Front Telescopic forks 135 mm stroke

Rear Triple rate spring, 5 way adjustable, gas charged NitroX shock absorbers        

Brakes Front 260 mm hydraulically operated disc brake

Rear Mechanically expanding 130 mm drum type

 Tyres Front 90/90 x 17” Tubeless tyre, shod on aluminium alloy wheels

Rear 120/80 x 17” Tubeless tyre, shod on aluminium alloy wheels

Fuel Tank Full 15 Lts ( 2 liters of usable reserve)

Electricals System   12V AC + DC

Headlamp 35/35W clear lens type with 2 pilot lamps        

Dimensions Wheelbase 1345 mm

Weight 145 Kg

Electricals System   12V AC + DC

  Headlamp 35/35W clear lens type with 2 pilot lamps

Dimensions Wheelbase 1345 mm

  Weight 145 Kg  

PRICE:

Bajaj Pulsar 200cc DTS-i has a dash of style, speed and technology. Having an international sports bike look, Bajaj Pulsar DTS-I has a split seat and several parameter indicators (oil/fuel/temperature etc), Nitro shockers, a third generation Throttle Responsive Ignition Control System and chiseled rear looks. The Pulsar 200cc DTS-i is mean machine to ideally take on a long winding road. Bajaj Pulsar comes at an attractive price of around Rs.65, 497. New bikes in this series have a showroom price ranging from around Rs. 68,000 to Rs. 74,500, which inclusive of all charges like insurance, octroi, RTO, etc. Currently, Delhi has the lowest, and Bangalore the highest on-road prices for Bajaj Pulsar 150 cc. Bajaj Pulsar 180 cc bike prices vary upon the two-wheeler dealer's location.

PLACE:

Bajaj Auto has adopted a channel policy approach which is unique in the automobile industry. This policy and its linked initiatives are guided by the requirements of specific sets of the Company’s final customers.

1. The Primary Channel: This comprises 408 exclusive two-wheeler dealers, 75 exclusive three-wheeler dealers, and 98 dealers who deal in both product categories. Bajaj Auto has followed a policy of systematic network consolidation, in which the primary dealerships have been given a larger scale and scope to operate based on their strengths.

2. The Secondary Channel: Much of Bajaj Auto’s recent success can be attributed to policy of rapidly adding to the number of secondary outlets, which provide sales, service and spares support in the vast hinterland of India. These are in the form of 1,500 Authorised Service Centres (ASC), 4,500 Rural Service Outlets (RSO), and 750 Young Engineer Service (YES) centres in the towns and cities.

3. Pro-biking: This initiative sits far away from the rural India play but is no less important. Bajaj Auto believes that young India doesn’t pay to buy motorcycles; it pays to buy excitement and exhilaration. The Pro-biking initiative, which was kicked off with the inauguration of first store in Pune in August 2005, aims precisely at creating this thrill. Owned and operated by Bajaj Auto, Pro-biking showrooms are now operational in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.

PROMOTION:

Over the past few years, Bajaj Auto Limited (BAL) has focussed on technology development, product development in anticipation of market needs, scaling up its manufacturing facilities, implementing best-in-class production systems, rationalizing vendors, slashing costs while upgrading quality, restructuring dealerships and distribution channels. These capabilities enabled the company to create exciting new products, which have set benchmarks — in style, in design, in technology. The company's products are creating a customer pull at all price points and the company has now transformed from being a price warrior to a price leader. The results of the above are there for its customers and shareholders to see. In 2005-06, Bajaj Auto's sales of motorcycles grew by almost 32 per cent versus a market growth of under 19 per cent. And market share has risen from 24 per cent in 2003-04 to almost 31 per cent in 2005-06.

Promotion of any product is an essential part for any business to grow and also make a mark in the market. Thus, Bajaj also came up with their promotion strategies to capture the market with a tag line “Hamara Bajaj”. This tag line made wonders for the company and also the sales of its products. This tag line was used to promote Bajaj Auto Limited as a whole. It came up with TV advertisements and also prints advertisement to have a greater impact. Their products are also advertised according to its specifications and uniqueness.

Bajaj auto limited (BAL) adopted different marketing strategies for different models, few of them are discussed below: -

Kawasaki 4S - First attempt by Bajaj to make a mark in the motorcycle segment. The target customer was the father in the family but the target audience of the commercial was the son in the family. The time at which Kawasaki 4S was launched Hero Honda was the market leader in fuel-efficient bikes and Yamaha in the performance bikes.

The commercial of Kawasaki 4S had the punch line "Kyun Hero" means "now what hero" which reflected the aggressiveness in the marketing front by the company.

Boxer - It took the reins from where the Kawasaki 4S left. Target was the rural population and the price sensitive customer. Boxer marketed as a value for money bike with great mileage. Larger wheelbase, high ground clearance and high mileage were the selling factors and it was in direct competition to Hero Honda Dawn and Suzuki MX100.

Caliber - The focus for the Caliber 115 was youth. And though Bajaj made the bike look bigger and feel more powerful than its predecessor (characteristics that will attract the average, 25-plus, executive segment bike buyer), its approach towards advertising is even more radically different this time around. Bajaj gave the mandate for the ad campaign to Lowe, picking them from the clique of three agencies that do promos for the company (the other two being Leo Burnett and O&M). Going by the initial market response, the campaign was clearly a hit in the 5-10 years age bracket. So, the teaser campaign and the emphasis on the Caliber 115 being a `Hoodibabaa' bike placed it as a trendy motorcycle for the college-goers and the 25 plus executives both at the same time.

Pulsar - Pulsar was launched in direct competition to the Hero Honda's 'CBZ' model in 150 cc plus segment. The campaign beared innovative punch line of "Definitely Male" positioning Pulsar to be a masculine-looking model with an appeal to the performance sensitive customers. The Pulsar went one step ahead of Hero Honda's 'CBZ' and launched a twin variant of Pulsar with the 180 cc model. The model was a great success and has already crossed 1 million mark in sales.

Discover - The same DTSI technology of Pulsar extended to 125 cc Discover was a great success. With this, Bajaj could realize its success riding on the back of technological innovation rather than the joint venture way followed by competitors to gain market share.

Strategies & Implementation

BAL now is taking a leaf out of the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) business model to take the company to greater heights.

Bajaj has kicked off a project to completely restructure the company's retail network and create multiple sales channels.

Over the next few months, the company will set-up separate sales channels for every segment of its business and consumers. Bajaj Auto's entire product portfolio, from the entry-level to the premium, is being sold by the same dealers. The restructuring will involve separate dealer networks catering to the urban and rural markets as well as its three-wheeler and premium bikes segments.

Bajaj Auto also plans to set-up an independent network of dealers for the rural areas. The needs of financing, selling, distribution and even after-sales service are completely different in the rural areas and do not makes sense for city dealers to control this. The company also plans to set-up exclusive dealerships for its three-wheeler products instead of having them sold through an estimated 300 of its existing dealers

Strategies for the Overseas Markets:

Bajaj Auto looks at external markets primarily with three strategies: -

1) A market where all BAL need to do is distribute through CKD or CBU routes.

2) Markets where BAL need to create new products.

3) Markets where BAL need to enter with existing products and probably with a good distributor or a production facility or a joint venture.

Earlier, most of the products that Bajaj exported were scooters and some motorcycles. However, in its target markets, like in India, the shift was towards motorcycles. With the expansion in Bajaj's own range to almost five-six platforms of motorcycles, it had a better offering to export, also the reason for its stronger showing. For the last fiscal, 60 per cent of its exports were two-wheelers and the rest three-wheelers. Of the two-wheeler exports, close to 90 per cent were motorcycles.

Bajaj has identified certain key markets, which hold potential. Its first overseas office established at the Jebel Ali free trade zone has been the focal point for exports to middle Africa and the Saharan nations. Egypt and Iran also continue to be strong markets for Bajaj.

The other market, which would be a focus area, is South America, where the company feels it is fairly well represented in most countries, except in Brazil, the largest market. The company recently participated in a large auto exhibition in Brazil and found good consumer acceptance to products like Pulsar and Wind 125.

The other focus area is the ASEAN nations, which constitute the third biggest consumer of two-wheelers. The biggest among them is Indonesia, where Bajaj distributors are looking to introduce eco-friendly four-stroke auto rickshaws. But two-wheeler market requires great deal of effort from BAL. Everybody is there with Honda leading the show. There's Suzuki, Kawasaki and some Korean and Chinese models. BAL should look at the right product mix for two-wheelers. Bajaj's Pulsar model has taken off well there. It also wants to develop a new step-through model for the Indonesian market, but for now it will create a base there with its motorcycle models.

Bajaj has also made a beginning by selling bikes in the Philippines branded in the name of its technical partner, Kawasaki. The two signed an MoU in February. Kawasaki, a large multi-product conglomerate, only makes high-end bikes and does not have sub-200cc models. Kawasaki is marketing the new model, Wind 125, developed by both companies, in the Philippines. The Bajaj-developed models, Caliber and Byk, which is a fuel-efficient bike, are also being distributed by Kawasaki. This is a good beginning strategically for Kawasaki to evince interest in Bajaj products for markets which can still buy less than 150 cc.

MARKET SHARE OF BAJAJ AUTO

(a) Bajaj Auto’s motorcycle sales continue to outperform the industry. In the current

Quarter Bajaj Auto’s motorcycle sales grew by 53%. v/s industry growth of 24%.

(b) The Bajaj CT 100 completed a cumulative sale of “ONE MILLION” since its launch in

May 2004. To further enhance customer value, CT 100 is being revamped with

ExhausTec, Spring in spring (SNS) rear suspension and 17” wheels  all of this

brings in class leading ride comfort to this product.

(c) The Bajaj Pulsar DTSi twins have sold an average of 29,000 vehicles in this quarter

registering a growth of 29% over the Q1/2004-05.

(d) The Bajaj Avenger rolled out of the Chakan plant on 10th June 2005. This cruiser

bike is available at select dealerships across the country at an ex-showroom price of

Rs. 60,000/-. This is further expected to consolidate Bajaj Auto’s presence in the

performance category of the motorcycle market.

CONCLUSION

There are no signals of a reversal in the growing consumer preference for motorcycles to scooters. Riding comfort, better control and superior mileage have attracted consumers to motorcycles.

Also, the soft interest rate regime over the last two years has resulted in a steady drop in lending rates. As a result, the cost of retail loan has fallen steadily which, in turn, has prompted consumers to go in for motorcycles, though they are a costlier than scooters.

In the motorcycle market, the consumer preference has tended to be skewed in favour of four-stroke models. With petrol prices ruling firm, it is not all that surprising to find the growing consumer preference for four-stroke bikes that offer superior mileage.

As a result, two-stroke motorcycles have lost ground heavily in recent years. Baja Auto has practically stopped producing two-stroke bikes, while other two-stroke producers such as Yamaha and TVS Motor have also turned to four-stroke models.

After some sharp drop in volumes, TVS motor found the demand for its two- stroke bikes picking up after it cut prices. This has lured the Kinetic group and LML. LML launched Energy and Adreno models, while Kinetic Engineering came up with Challenger.

Existing major-Hero Honda and Bajaj – have taken efforts to enhance their presence in the fast growing four-stroke segment. With a series of successful launches such as Boxer, Caliber Croma, Bajaj has turned out to be a star performer in terms of improvement in turnover and increase in market capitalization.

[pic][pic][pic]

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download