Having tasted success with one of KTM’s superbike models, Bajaj is looking to create a space for itself in the segment. Superbikes refer to high-end sports bikes.
According to KTM’s 2011 annual report, KTM in 2007 had entered into a partnership with Bajaj.
“The focus of cooperation lies on common development of street motorcycles in the entry segment 125 cc to 375 cc. Last year, the first jointly developed model (125 Duke) was successfully launched,” it stated.
Good response
Later, this year, 200 Duke was launched in India.
“The response (to 200 Duke) has been very well. We are selling about 1,000 units a month.
“We want to exploit this super sports segment with multiple products from KTM stable,” Mr K. Srinivas, President, Motorcycle Business, Bajaj India, said here on Thursday.
He was in the city for the launch of Discover 125 ST in West Bengal.
Austria-based KTM is the second largest bike-maker in Europe. Bajaj Auto, through its wholly-owned Netherlands subsidiary Bajaj Auto International Holdings, has 47 per cent stake in it.
According to Mr Srinivas, Bajaj has “a definite plan” to create its space in super sports segment and introduce new models but refused to divulge details.
Chakan unit
Incidentally, two of KTM’s models are manufactured from its Chakan unit in Maharashtra.
The models are exported to Europe and Japan.
“The KTM products are built on same line of Chakan unit as the Pulsar. KTM has its own network in Europe and the US,” he added.
