Pune-headquartered Bajaj Auto, which will launch its new product in the executive segment this quarter, has managed to grow its market share in the entry level or commuter segment to 36 per cent in 2015 compared to 23 per cent in 2014 in the domestic market on the back of strong performance from the CT 100 model which was launched last year, a company official said. The company has also managed to extend its leadership in the below Rs 1 lakh sports segment by expanding its market share to 53 per cent during the same time due to the response it received from the recent launch of three Avenger models and the Pulsar AS 150 and AS 200 models. “In a challenging environment for the automobile industry, we have maintained positive momentum as a result of a well-crafted strategy — superior customer value through differentiated products and strong brands,” said Eric Vas, president (Motorcycle Business), Bajaj Auto. “We have learnt from our mistakes and have re-positioned the Discover motorcycle. We are trying to sell the 125 cc version in the rural markets while the 150 cc version will cater to the urban customers. We will continue to consolidate our position across segments.” [related-post] The CT 100, which re-entered the Indian market last year and the new Platina which made its debut in January, have helped the company gain market share and volumes in the entry level segment. Bajaj Auto sold 6.81 lakh entry level commuter motorcycles in 2015 as against 3.83 lakh last year a growth of 77 per cent. On the other hand, in the sports segment priced above Rs 1 lakh, the Pulsar RS200 has become the largest selling performance bike. The Avengers which was launched before the Dushera also received good response from the market and the company managed to sell 20,000 units in December. Bajaj Auto is also expected to increase its production capacity of Avengers to 30,000 units by March this year.
