Bajaj Auto rolls out new Platina

Bajaj Auto, the country’s second largest motor bike manufacturer, today began selling the Platina 125cc in a bid to gain market share from its biggest rival, Hero Honda Motors.

This is the Pune-based company’s first among three new motorcycle offerings for the year, based on the patented DTS-Si technology. The 125cc bike, which is priced at Rs 39,000 (ex-showroom) is cheaper than India’s largest selling 100cc bike Hero Honda Splendor, which is priced at Rs 41,000.

Amit Nandi, general manager (marketing), Bajaj Auto, said, “Our aim is to convert the user of 100cc bikes to 125cc. This new bike will offer the power of a 125cc motorcycle and also deliver a mileage of more than 100 kms to a litre.”

The sales of Bajaj Auto in the five months ended August 31 dropped by 1 per cent to 623,000 units as the company failed to enthuse customers.

It plans to launch newer models to retain customers. In contrast, Hero Honda sales grew about 20 per cent to 14,46000 units during the period. Hero Honda has been pushing sales in rural areas.

The Platina is based on the engine platform of the XCD 125, which was launched during the same period last year.