Bajaj Auto to more than double Pulsar RS200 production

Buoyed by robust response to new sports bike Pulsar RS200, Bajaj Auto is ramping up monthly production of the motorcycle model by over two-fold to 4,000 units in the next two months.

The bike, which was launched in March, priced at Rs 1.18 lakh and Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), is averaging monthly sales of 1,700 units.

"The market response to RS200 has been really good. Currently the bike is available in 56 cities but we have not been able to expand beyond because of capacity constraints," Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) President (Motorcycle Business) Eric Vas told PTI.

In order to overcome the constraints, he said the company is increasing output at the Chakan plant, where the model is manufactured.

"We are gradually ramping up production from 1,700 units a month now to about 4,000 units per month by August," he said.

Vas said the Pulsar RS200 along with bikes from sister concern KTM will help the company enhance its position in the 'super sports' motorcycle segment priced between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh.

From selling 614 units a month on an average in FY13 to 4,034 units in the April-May period this fiscal, he said BAL has been able to increase its market share in the segment.

"As of May, we have a market share of 56 per cent compared with just 13 per cent in FY13. Our aim is to double the overall size of this particular segment from the current 7,150 units a month," Vas said.

The company's main competitors in this segment are Honda CBR150, CBR 250 and Yamaha R15.

Although the motorcycle market has been witnessing declining sales due to slowdown in rural market, Vas said the high-end segment has not been affected.