Bajaj Auto, on Monday, launched the ‘Discover 125 ST' bike that promises performance of a sports bike and comfort and economy of a commuter motorcycle. Built on a new platform, the new bike is powered by Bajaj's patented ‘DTS-iTwin Spark' technology.
The engine is designed with four valves that deliver 13 PS of power, highest in the 125cc category, without compromising on fuel efficiency.
Pan-Indian coverage
The new bike, which will be first available in Maharashtra in June followed by pan-Indian coverage by August, comes with a five-speed gear box, ‘monoshock nitrox suspension' for maximum comfort and a specially designed ‘anti-vibration' frame for enjoyable ride across all terrains.
“We believe that the sporty evolution of the commuter category will occur fast, and it is our intention to dominate this segment by introducing such breakthrough products,” Bajaj Auto President (Motorcycle Business) K. Srinivas told reporters here.
Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said the company was going to focus on Pulsar and Discover brands and bring out new bikes every year for domestic and export markets.
Pointing out that Bajaj Auto had emerged as a market leader in at least half-a-dozen global markets in terms of motorcycle sales, including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines and Nigeria, Mr. Bajaj said “The goal is to become best motorcycle maker in the world. We are already No.3 player in the global bike market after Honda and Hero MotoCorp, and we want to consolidate our leadership position.”
Mr. Bajaj further said that in the last three years, the company's bike sales had doubled, which is likely to cross 50-lakh units this year, while the growth in terms of revenues had been three times that would be around Rs.20,000 crore in 2011-12 and profits have increased five to six times in the past three years.
“Our operating profit is 20 per cent which is the highest in the automobile sector,” he added.