The Managing Director of Bajaj Auto said that multiple new Pulsar motorcycles will be launched in 2026 in the Indian market
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto, in an interview to CNBC TV18, has confirmed that multiple new Pulsars will be launched next year in the Indian market. The head honcho further added that the Pulsar nameplate will be completing 25 years in 2026 as it was first introduced in 2001. Bajaj Pulsar accounts for around two-third sales volumes in the domestic market and hence the company believes that the new models launching in 2026 will be the main growth drivers with an increase in market share.
Earlier, Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto, during an earnings call had stated, “We’ve got a few introductions starting from December in the Pulsar range, and there will be some in March and then in May. So we’ve got at least three good model introductions in December, March, and May”. Now, with Rajiv confirming the same, we will see at least three new Pulsars in the coming 5-6 months.
Bajaj further said that the brand’s market share in the 125cc plus segment has already risen by 2 percent. The first wave of new models is likely to reach dealerships very soon. Recently, Bajaj Auto launched a new variant of the Pulsar N160 in the Indian market with golden-coloured USD front forks and a single-piece seat as standard fitments.
Rajiv also spoke elaborately on the GST rates hiked for the bikes with engine capacity over 350cc. “I would like to start by saying that I certainly hope the government will reconsider what it’s done, and without dwelling on it too much, clearly, this action is going to marginalise motorcycles above 350cc in this market. And if that happens, then, it greatly handicaps the manufacturers from developing such motorcycles and taking them out to the world. I sincerely hope this will be reviewed,” stated Bajaj MD.
Rajiv Bajaj revealed that in the 250cc plus segment they have Pulsar, Dominar, KTM and Triumph which are competing neck-to-neck with the market leader Royal Enfield as far as export business is concerned. All these four brands (Pulsar, Dominar, KTM and Triumph) are exported to more than 108 countries worldwide. “There is no reason for us to kind of put our plans on the back burner because of domestic adversity. But as I said, I hope that that will be relooked at,” concluded Rajiv.
On the recent takeover of KTM, Rajiv expressed his views by saying that the Austria-based brand has recorded its highest ever retails in India with the launch of new models like Duke 160, 390 Adventure and Supermoto. He said that 10,000 made-in-India KTM motorcycles are exported every year to the US.
