The Rise of Bajaj: A New Challenger in the Two-Wheeler Market

In the ever-changing landscape of the business world, companies must adapt to new challenges and opportunities to stay ahead of the competition. The two-wheeler industry is no exception, and Bajaj, a former leader, has now regained its momentum with the launch of its Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle. This innovative bike has the potential to disrupt the market and challenge the dominance of its long-time rival, Hero Honda.

At the launch event, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj, shared some interesting insights and facts about the company’s journey. He recalled the 1990s when Hero Honda started to gain popularity in the commuter segment, thanks to its reliable products and promise of higher mileage. This led to a significant shift in consumer preference, with many opting for motorcycles over scooters due to their better fuel efficiency. In fact, sales data shows that Hero Honda overtook Bajaj in two-wheeler sales in 1997-1998, a turning point that forced Bajaj to close its scooter business and focus on motorcycles instead.

Rajiv Bajaj also shared a personal anecdote about the late Hero Honda Chairman, Brijmohan Lall Munjal, who referred to Bajaj as a “wounded tiger” after Hero Honda took the lead. Now, after nearly three decades, Bajaj is poised to avenge its loss and reclaim its position in the market.

The Freedom 125 CNG bike is a pioneering project that offers several advantages. With a certified mileage of over 100 km/L when running on CNG, it provides significant fuel cost savings, as CNG is generally cheaper than petrol. The bike also features a unique hybrid system that allows users to seamlessly switch between CNG and petrol with the press of a button. Other notable features include an extra-long seat, advanced safety features, digital speedometer, and Bluetooth connectivity. The bike is priced reasonably, starting at Rs 95,000.

When asked about why a petrol bike user would switch to CNG, Rajiv Bajaj explained that fuel bills were a crucial decision-making factor for users in the commuter segment. He emphasized that the Freedom 125 CNG bike is not just a response to the changing market but also a reflection of Bajaj’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

In a nod to the company’s resurgence, Rajiv Bajaj famously declared, “Tiger Zinda Hain” (The Tiger is Alive), echoing the phrase used by Munjal to describe Bajaj’s situation three decades ago. This phrase has become a rallying cry for the company, symbolizing its determination to reclaim its position in the market.

The Freedom 125 CNG bike is a testament to Bajaj’s ability to adapt and innovate, and its potential to disrupt the market is undeniable. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the two-wheeler industry, it will be interesting to see how consumers respond to this new challenger.

Historical Context:

The article mentions the 1990s as a significant period in the history of the two-wheeler industry, when Hero Honda gained popularity and overtook Bajaj in sales. This led to Bajaj closing its scooter business and focusing on motorcycles instead. The article also references the late Hero Honda Chairman, Brijmohan Lall Munjal, who referred to Bajaj as a “wounded tiger” after Hero Honda took the lead.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Bajaj, a former leader in the two-wheeler market, has launched its Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle, which has the potential to disrupt the market and challenge the dominance of its long-time rival, Hero Honda. • The bike features a certified mileage of over 100 km/L when running on CNG, providing significant fuel cost savings, and a unique hybrid system that allows users to switch between CNG and petrol with the press of a button. • The bike also has an extra-long seat, advanced safety features, digital speedometer, and Bluetooth connectivity, and is priced reasonably, starting at Rs 95,000. • Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj, emphasized that the Freedom 125 CNG bike is not just a response to the changing market but also a reflection of Bajaj’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. • The bike is a testament to Bajaj’s ability to adapt and innovate, and its potential to disrupt the market is undeniable. • The company’s resurgence is symbolized by the phrase “Tiger Zinda Hain” (The Tiger is Alive), echoing the phrase used by Munjal to describe Bajaj’s situation three decades ago. • The article highlights Bajaj’s determination to reclaim its position in the market and its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.