Rajiv Bajaj hints at CNG-powered 2-wheelers to revolutionise the entry-level motorcycle market in India
Rajiv Bajaj, the Managing Director of Bajaj Auto Ltd., has come up with the idea of CNG-powered motorcycles as a means to lower running costs for entry-level motorcycle customers. He has also talked about support from the Government in the form of incentives. He emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to revitalize this segment, expressing concerns about its post-COVID growth prospects without such initiatives. The concept revolves around the affordability of CNG motorcycles, making them an attractive option for individuals facing the heat from rising petrol costs. The latest revelation from Bajaj fuels rumours of a Bajaj Platina CNG variant being in the pipeline.
Should Bajaj proceed with this initiative, it would mark a significant milestone as the first Indian manufacturer to produce an entirely CNG-powered motorcycle directly from the factory. Previous attempts in India involved retrofitting petrol engines with CNG counterparts. “Who knows maybe a CNG Bajaj motorcycle that halves people’s (bike) running costs would be the answer with a little help from the government,” said Bajaj (net worth of $4.3 billion, according to Forbes) in an interview with CNBC-TV18.
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Bajaj Platina CNG to Help Manufacturer Revitalise Sales in Entry-Level Segment
In 2016, the government initiated a pilot program in New Delhi to test CNG-powered two-wheelers. During this pilot phase, certain food delivery services adopted CNG-fueled Honda Activa scooters. Bajaj did not provide precise information but rejected the idea of a CNG scooter. However, it seems to be open to the idea of a CNG motorcycle. Additionally, he called upon Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to consider reducing the goods and services tax (GST) on CNG vehicles to 18 percent.
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The decline in sales of entry-level two-wheelers, ranging from 100cc to 125cc, has raised concerns for companies like Bajaj Auto. The Indian manufacturer has a market capitalization of approximately $18 billion (Rs 1.46 lakh crore). This decline is attributed majorly to increasing petrol prices. Even the growing preference for electric two-wheelers plays a role here. Bajaj Auto currently markets two models in the 100cc segment, namely the Bajaj Platina 100 and the Bajaj CT 100. The former will likely become the first recipient of the company’s CNG hardware.
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