Bajaj Auto Plans To Set Up Assembly Line At Kawasaki’s Philippines Plant

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Mumbai, Dec 21: : In what would be a first for the Bajaj Auto-Kawasaki relationship — Bajaj Pulsar — the first indigenous bike from Bajaj Auto may roll-out from Kawasaki’s plant at Philippines. The company is exploring the possibility of setting up an assembly line at Kawasaki’s plant in Philippines.

The Pulsar will be assembled and then sold through Kawasaki dealers in the country. Bajaj Auto currently exports motorcycles under the Kawasaki Bajaj brand, which are exported through Kawasaki’s dealers in overseas markets. It also exports the ‘Pulsar’ through its own distribution channel in some countries.

“Indonesia and Philippines are two countries hot on our destination list. We are actively exploring all options including the setting up of an assembly unit,” said Bajaj Auto vice president (business development and marketing) RL Ravichandran.

He also added that Bajaj Auto was considering setting up an assembly plant in Indonesia, in conjunction with its local dealer. However, Thailand which has generated a lot of interest among auto companies and auto-component manufacturers with the recent signing of the FTA between the two countries, is not on Bajaj’s priority list. “It is basically a step-thru market,” Mr Ravichandran added.

The Asian market, which is a key market, has generated a lot of interest among Indian two-wheeler manufacturers with TVS Motor Company also intending to becoming a major player in the region.

Mr Ravichandran said that Bajaj Auto plans to have its entire international strategy in place by February next year.

The company is looking at combined export volumes of two-wheelers and three-wheelers to the extent of 1.5 lakh units during 2003-04. Importantly, Bajaj Auto will consider the possibility of setting up a small JV marketing company with Kawasaki only on the basis of the success of the above ventures.