Bajaj Auto

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An Indian multinational manufacturer of motorcycles, scooters, three-wheelers and related urban mobility vehicles.

Last updated August 21, 2026

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Overview

Bajaj Auto is an Indian automotive manufacturer headquartered in Pune, Maharashtra, and one of the principal companies of the Bajaj Group. The company produces motorcycles, scooters, auto-rickshaws and quadricycles, serving the Indian market as well as a broad export network across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and other regions. It is especially associated with the Pulsar motorcycle family, the RE range of three-wheelers and the revival of the Chetak name as an electric scooter. The business began on 29 November 1945 as M/s Bajaj Trading Corporation Private Limited. Its early activity was the import and sale of two- and three-wheelers in India. In 1959, it received an Indian government licence to manufacture these vehicles and obtained rights from Piaggio to produce Vespa scooters in India. The company became a public limited company in 1960. For several decades, Bajaj was primarily identified with scooters, but the introduction of motorcycles in the 1980s changed both its product mix and its market identity. The company increasingly presented itself as a two-wheeler manufacturer rather than solely as a scooter producer. A major turning point came with the development of performance-oriented commuter motorcycles, particularly the 150cc and 180cc Pulsar models. These products helped establish a distinct sporty identity in India's mass-market motorcycle sector and gave Bajaj a stronger position against established motorcycle competitors. Its portfolio later expanded through the CT, Platina, Discover, Avenger and Dominar families, covering commuter, cruiser, premium and performance-oriented segments. Bajaj also became a major exporter, and its motorcycles have been sold through distributors and local partners in numerous countries. Three-wheelers remain a central part of the company's business. Bajaj's auto-rickshaws are used for passenger transport and cargo applications, and the company has been described as the world's largest manufacturer of three-wheelers. In Indonesia, the word “bajaj” is widely used for auto-rickshaws generally, reflecting the visibility of the brand in that market. The company has also explored adjacent forms of urban mobility. The RE60, later marketed as the Qute, was developed as a compact quadricycle for short-distance urban transport and for customers traditionally served by three-wheelers. Bajaj Auto has pursued international technical and commercial relationships as part of its expansion. It worked with Kawasaki on motorcycle production, distribution and service, later ending their Indian sales and service arrangement while retaining overseas cooperation. In 2007, Bajaj acquired a significant minority interest in Austrian motorcycle company KTM through a Dutch subsidiary, creating a long-running industrial and ownership relationship. In 2017, it entered a partnership with Triumph Motorcycles to develop mid-capacity motorcycles. The company has also invested in electric-mobility businesses, including Yulu, and launched an electric version of the Chetak in India in 2020. The company was separated from the wider Bajaj corporate structure in 2008, when Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finserv and Bajaj Holdings and Investment became distinct entities. Bajaj Auto remains publicly listed in India on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange. Its manufacturing footprint includes facilities at Chakan, Waluj and Pantnagar, while its historic Akurdi site houses the Ahead research and development centre. The business continues to combine high-volume Indian production, export-oriented manufacturing, premium motorcycle development and a growing focus on electric vehicles.

History

Bajaj Auto traces its origins to 29 November 1945, when it was incorporated as M/s Bajaj Trading Corporation Private Limited. The company initially imported and sold two- and three-wheelers rather than manufacturing them. In 1959, it secured an Indian government manufacturing licence and entered into an arrangement with Piaggio to produce Vespa scooters in India. It became a public limited company in 1960. The early business was strongly associated with scooters, which became important symbols of affordable personal mobility in post-independence India. Bajaj subsequently broadened its capabilities and, in 1984, signed a technical assistance agreement with Kawasaki. Motorcycle production began in 1986, an important strategic change that helped move the company beyond its traditional scooter identity. The 150cc and 180cc Pulsar motorcycles introduced in the early 2000s were especially influential. They combined accessible pricing with a sportier design and performance proposition, helping Bajaj compete more directly in India's rapidly expanding motorcycle market. Bajaj's business also developed around three-wheelers. Its RE-branded passenger and cargo vehicles became important products in India and export markets, and the company developed a particularly strong presence in countries where auto-rickshaws are an established form of urban and peri-urban transport. By the early twenty-first century, Bajaj was a significant exporter of motorcycles and three-wheelers, with manufacturing operations in India supporting international distribution. The company participated in broader Bajaj Group restructuring during the 2000s. It acquired a controlling interest in the Tempo Firodia company, which was later renamed Bajaj Tempo and eventually Force Motors after the gradual removal of the Tempo and Bajaj names. On 26 May 2008, the Bajaj corporate structure was reorganised into Bajaj Auto, Bajaj Finserv and Bajaj Holdings and Investment as separate entities. International motorcycle partnerships became a defining part of the later strategy. In 2007, Bajaj acquired a minority stake in KTM through Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV and gradually increased that interest. The relationship gave Bajaj exposure to premium and performance motorcycle engineering while providing KTM with access to Bajaj's manufacturing and distribution capabilities. Bajaj also entered a mid-capacity motorcycle partnership with Triumph in 2017. That same year, its Indian distribution and service relationship with Kawasaki ended, although the companies continued to cooperate in overseas markets. Bajaj explored low-cost urban transport through the RE60, later known as the Qute. Unveiled in 2012, the vehicle was classified as a quadricycle rather than a conventional passenger car and was intended primarily for short-distance city travel and customers moving up from three-wheelers. The company later expanded into electric mobility. It invested in Yulu in 2019, launched the electric Chetak in India in January 2020 and announced a substantial Pune electric-vehicle manufacturing plan in 2021. Bajaj Auto's principal Indian facilities include Chakan, Waluj and Pantnagar, while the Akurdi site contains the Ahead research and development centre. The company remains publicly traded in India and continues to operate as a major manufacturer of motorcycles and three-wheelers, with electric vehicles becoming an increasingly important part of its future product strategy.

2021
Electric-vehicle facility is planned
[1]Bajaj Autoen.wikipedia.org
Bajaj announces plans for an electric-vehicle production facility in Pune.
2020
Chetak electric scooter launches
[1]Bajaj Autoen.wikipedia.org
Bajaj introduces the electric Chetak scooter in India.
2019
Investment in Yulu
[1]Bajaj Autoen.wikipedia.org
Bajaj invests in Yulu and agrees to produce customised electric scooters for the mobility company.
2017
Triumph partnership is announced
[1]Bajaj Autoen.wikipedia.org
Bajaj Auto and Triumph Motorcycles agree to cooperate on mid-capacity motorcycles.
2012
RE60 quadricycle is unveiled
[1]Bajaj Autoen.wikipedia.org
Bajaj unveils the RE60, later marketed as the Qute, as a compact quadricycle for urban transport.
2008
Bajaj Group restructuring separates Bajaj Auto
[1]Bajaj Autoen.wikipedia.org
Bajaj Auto is separated from Bajaj Finserv and Bajaj Holdings and Investment in a three-way corporate restructuring.
2007
Bajaj takes a stake in KTM
[1]Bajaj Autoen.wikipedia.org
Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV acquires a minority interest in KTM, beginning a strategic relationship with the Austrian motorcycle company.
1986
Motorcycle production begins
[1]Bajaj Autoen.wikipedia.org
The company launches motorcycles and begins shifting its identity from a scooter specialist toward a broader two-wheeler manufacturer.
1984
Technical cooperation with Kawasaki begins
[1]Bajaj Autoen.wikipedia.org
Bajaj Auto signs a technical assistance agreement with Kawasaki to support motorcycle production and sales.
1960
The company becomes public
[1]Bajaj Autoen.wikipedia.org
Bajaj Auto becomes a public limited company.
1959
Manufacturing and Vespa licences are obtained
[1]Bajaj Autoen.wikipedia.org
The company receives an Indian manufacturing licence and an arrangement to produce Vespa scooters in India.
1945
Bajaj Trading Corporation is established
[1]Bajaj Autoen.wikipedia.org
M/s Bajaj Trading Corporation Private Limited is established on 29 November and begins by importing and selling two- and three-wheelers in India.

Products and positioning

A mass-to-premium Indian mobility manufacturer combining high-volume commuter motorcycles, performance motorcycles, three-wheelers and increasingly electric urban vehicles.

Motorcycles
Pulsar
The Pulsar family is Bajaj Auto's best-known performance-oriented motorcycle line. Its introduction in the 150cc and 180cc classes helped combine sporty styling and stronger performance with the price accessibility expected in India's mass market. The range has subsequently covered multiple engine sizes and market positions, serving as a central pillar of Bajaj's motorcycle brand identity.
Three-wheelers
RE
The RE family consists primarily of passenger and commercial auto-rickshaws. It is one of Bajaj Auto's most important product groups, supporting urban and regional transport in India and international markets. The range has helped establish the company as a leading global producer of three-wheelers.
Electric scooters · 2020
Chetak
Chetak is a historic Bajaj scooter name that was revived as an electric scooter in India in January 2020. The electric model represents the company's move into battery-powered personal mobility while retaining a name associated with its earlier scooter heritage.
Motorcycles
Dominar
Dominar is a larger-capacity motorcycle family positioned toward premium, touring and performance-oriented riders. It extends Bajaj Auto's range beyond commuter motorcycles and supports the company's effort to compete in more aspirational domestic and international segments.
Cruiser motorcycles
Avenger
Avenger is Bajaj Auto's cruiser-style motorcycle line. It provides a relaxed riding format distinct from the company's commuter and sport-oriented motorcycles and has formed part of Bajaj's long-running strategy to cover multiple motorcycle categories.
Commuter motorcycles
Platina
Platina is a fuel-efficient commuter motorcycle family aimed at practical everyday transportation. It occupies the value-oriented part of Bajaj Auto's motorcycle portfolio and complements the more performance-led Pulsar and Dominar lines.
Quadricycles · 2012
Qute
The Qute, originally unveiled as the RE60, is a compact quadricycle designed for intra-city transportation. It was aimed particularly at customers and operators familiar with three-wheelers, offering an enclosed small-vehicle format rather than a conventional passenger car.

Brand decisions

2021
Plan dedicated electric-vehicle productionStrategy
Background
Bajaj intended to expand electric mobility beyond an individual scooter model and support both Indian and international demand.
Action taken
The company announced plans for a Pune electric-vehicle manufacturing facility.
Aftermath
The plan signalled a broader industrial commitment to electric two-wheelers and related mobility products.
Source
2020
Launch the electric ChetakProduct launch
Background
Urban mobility markets were moving toward electrification, creating an opportunity to apply Bajaj's scooter heritage to battery-powered products.
Action taken
Bajaj launched the Chetak electric scooter in India.
Aftermath
Electric vehicles became a more visible part of Bajaj Auto's product and manufacturing strategy.
Source
2017
Partner with Triumph on mid-capacity motorcyclesStrategy
Background
Bajaj sought to broaden its international motorcycle portfolio and participate in the mid-capacity segment.
Action taken
Bajaj Auto and Triumph Motorcycles formed a cooperation agreement covering the development of mid-capacity motorcycles.
Aftermath
The partnership reinforced Bajaj's role as an international manufacturing and development partner in motorcycles above the traditional commuter segment.
Source
2012
Develop the RE60/Qute urban quadricycleProduct launch
Background
Bajaj aimed to serve short-distance urban transport needs and customers traditionally using three-wheelers.
Action taken
The company unveiled the RE60, later known as the Qute, as a compact quadricycle rather than a conventional passenger car.
Aftermath
The vehicle extended Bajaj's mobility offering into a four-wheel urban format while retaining a strong connection to its three-wheeler customer base.
Source
2007
Acquire a strategic minority interest in KTMM&A
Background
Bajaj sought greater exposure to premium and performance motorcycle engineering and international motorcycle markets.
Action taken
Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV acquired a minority stake in KTM and later increased its interest.
Aftermath
The investment became a long-term industrial and ownership relationship connecting Bajaj's manufacturing capabilities with KTM's performance-motorcycle business.
Source
1986
Enter the motorcycle marketProduct launch
Background
Bajaj Auto had historically been strongly associated with scooters, while motorcycles were becoming increasingly important in India's two-wheeler market.
Action taken
The company began producing motorcycles and repositioned its identity around a broader two-wheeler portfolio.
Aftermath
The shift created the foundation for later motorcycle families, including Pulsar, Avenger, Platina and Dominar.
Source

Recent events

2021-07-06
Bajaj Auto reduces Dominar 250 price[3]Bajaj Auto下调Dominar 250售价business-standard.com
Reported: 2021-07-06
Bajaj Auto reduced the price of the Dominar 250 motorcycle by Rs 16,800 to Rs 1,54,176 ex-showroom in Delhi.
Unconfirmed
Stallion Group acquired Bajaj Auto’s Nigerian franchise[4]Stallion Group 收购 Bajaj Auto 在尼日利亚的特许经营权thisdaylive.com
Stallion Group acquired the Nigerian franchise of Bajaj Auto. The source does not state when the acquisition occurred.
2020-08-05
Bajaj Auto launches upgraded KTM 250 DUKE[5]Bajaj Auto推出升级版KTM 250 DUKEdailyexcelsior.com
Reported: 2020-08-05
Bajaj Auto said it had launched an upgraded KTM 250 DUKE motorcycle in India, featuring a Supermoto mode that can be activated at the push of a button.
2020-03-16
Bajaj Auto launches 14 BS6 three-wheelers[6]Bajaj Auto推出14款符合BS6标准的三轮车thehindubusinessline.com
Reported: 2020-03-16
Bajaj Auto launched 14 BS6-compliant commercial three-wheelers across its RE, Maxima and Maxima Cargo brands in India.
2020-03-11
Bajaj Auto launches Dominar 250[7]Bajaj Auto推出Dominar 250business-standard.com
Reported: 2020-03-11
Bajaj Auto launched the Dominar 250, a variant of the Dominar Sports Tourer, priced at Rs 1.6 lakh ex-showroom in Delhi. The company said it was available through Bajaj Auto dealerships in a dual-channel ABS variant.
2020-02-25
Husqvarna motorcycles enter the Indian market[8]Husqvarna摩托车进入印度市场moneycontrol.com
Reported: 2020-02-25
Bajaj Auto announced prices in India for Husqvarna's Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250 motorcycles, bringing the Husqvarna brand to the Indian market. Sales were planned through KTM showrooms.
2020-02-12
Bajaj Auto launches BS-VI-compliant Pulsar 150[9]Bajaj Auto推出符合BS-VI标准的Pulsar 150business-standard.com
Reported: 2020-02-12
Bajaj Auto launched BS-VI-compliant versions of the Pulsar 150 and Pulsar 150 Twin Disc in India, with stated starting prices of Rs 94,956 and Rs 98,835 respectively.
2019-11-26
Bajaj Auto and Yulu form strategic partnership[10]Bajaj Auto与Yulu建立战略合作关系autocarindia.com
Reported: 2019-11-26
Bajaj Auto announced a strategic investment and partnership with Yulu. Under the agreement, Yulu will source electric two-wheelers from Bajaj Auto that were co-designed and manufactured for shared micro-mobility.
2019-11-26
Bajaj Auto announces investment in Yulu[10]Bajaj Auto与Yulu建立战略合作关系autocarindia.com
Reported: 2019-11-26
Bajaj Auto announced it would invest $8 million (Rs 57.7 crore) in Yulu as part of their strategic relationship.
2019-10-16
Bajaj Auto launches Chetak electric scooter[11]Bajaj Auto推出Chetak电动踏板车thehindubusinessline.com
Reported: 2019-10-16
Bajaj Auto unveiled and launched its Chetak electric scooter. The article says it was expected to hit the road in January, initially in Pune and Bengaluru, and that its price would be announced at launch.

Sources20 sources

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