India’s leading two-wheeler
manufacturer Bajaj Auto Ltd and Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Kawasaki have
decided to end their alliance in India from April 1, 2017. This was stated in a
press note issued by the company and signed by Amit Nandi, President of
Probiking.
Incidentally, Bajaj Auto has
had an alliance with Kawasaki for the sale and after sales service of Kawasaki
motorcycles through its Probiking network since 2009. Bajaj Auto has been progressively
converted its Probiking network to be KTM dealerships. The Bajaj - KTM
partnership, launched its first co-developed product, the 200 Duke in
2012.
Over the last five years, KTM
achieved a CAGR of 48 % and sales volume in FY17 is estimated at 37000 units.
Now the Duke and RC models are being offered in 5 SKU’s through the 300+ KTM
dealerships in India. Going forward,
Bajaj intends to focus on the KTM brand, the company release said.
After April 1, 2017 Kawasaki
motorcycles will be sold by India Kawasaki Motors Pvt Ltd (a 100% subsidiary of
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Japan), established in India in July 2010 through its
own dealer network. As for the after sales service, including that for past
customers, will also be provided by this subsidiary company.
Bajaj and Kawasaki will
continue to maintain their co-operative relationship across the rest of the
world for current and future businesses, the note concluded.
Kawasaki currently sells more
than a dozen models in the country with engine capacities in the range of 112cc
to 1441 cc. The Kawasaki Ninja range of bikes is very popular among motorcycle
riders in the country.