Latest news with #FreedomCNG
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
125CC+ segment remains critical growth driver for Bajaj Auto: Chairman
Bajaj Auto places significant importance to 125CC+ motorcycle segment for maintaining future growth momentum even as it plans to expand presence in the electric vehicle segment. In the letter to shareholders published in the company's annual report, Chairman Niraj Bajaj says the company remains committed to driving competitiveness in the strategically relevant and important 125cc+ motorcycle segment. Bajaj said that the company's annual revenues from Pulsar brand at nearly Rs 15,000 crore, of which, Rs 10,000 crore domestically, on the back of the highest-ever retails in 125cc+ segment reinforcing the strength of its proposition. 'While the overall domestic motorcycles performance was subdued by a relatively weak second half that saw a loss of market share, we view this as a critical area and are taking clear and targeted actions to regain momentum,' he added. The chairman also reposed faith in the game-changing Freedom CNG motorcycle to accelerate its push to convert budget-conscious 100-110cc riders, leveraging its 50% operational cost savings. "Freedom isn't just a bike; it's a blueprint for sustainable, affordable performance," Bajaj noted. The chairman emphasised that the electric revolution remained central to Bajaj's future course of action. Having seized the No. 1 electric scooter spot with its iconic Chetak scooters, the focus shifts to scaling up Chetak even further with a view growing volumes, market share leadership and improving unit economics In the electric three-wheelers segment, the company now aims to replicate Bajaj's ICE dominance with the newly launched GoGo brand in the e-rickshaw space. After weathering currency storms, exports roared back with 13.9% growth. The priority now is to "broad-base" this recovery. Latin America's record performance and Triumph's global rollout (now in 17 countries) provide tailwinds. Bajaj stressed leveraging improving macro conditions while maintaining leadership in key markets like Africa and Southeast Asia. Acknowledging challenges from rising competition, potential margin pressure, and a strengthening rupee, the chairman said that disciplined execution, cost management, and leveraging the robust ₹17,000 crore cash surplus to fund growth will help the company overcome these challenges.
Hindustan Times
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Auto recap, July 5: Honda City hybrid price cut, Bajaj MD interview, Tata Harrier EV booking milestone & more…
Here is your quick check on the biggest developments in the world of automobiles. Check Offers The automotive industry is experiencing rapid changes, which make it difficult to stay informed about all the latest advancements. At HT Auto, we are dedicated to delivering the most relevant and current information as it becomes available. Below is a concise overview of the key highlights from Saturday, July 5. Honda City Hybrid gets a price cut, more affordable by ₹ 1 lakh Honda Cars India has dropped the price on the City e: HEV, the hybrid version of the popular sedan. The Honda City Hybrid is now priced at ₹ 19.90 lakh (ex-showroom) for the fully loaded ZX variant, making it ₹ 1 lakh more affordable than before. The City e: HEV is the only hybrid sedan in its class, taking on the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, and the like. Also Read : Honda City Hybrid gets a price cut, more affordable by ₹ 1 lakh Has the big bet on the Freedom CNG paid off? Bajaj ED Rakesh Sharma answers Bajaj Auto made a bold move with the launch of the Freedom 125 last year, the world's first CNG-powered motorcycle. The bike promises significant savings over a conventional 125 cc commuter, without compromising on performance, comfort, and safety. It not only arrived with big promises but at a competitive price point. We even noted in our test ride last year that the bike was fairly well-equipped for its purpose, grabbing the right attention wherever it went. As the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG celebrates its first anniversary since launch, HT Auto caught up with Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director - Bajaj Auto, to understand more about the Freedom's impact on volumes and the way forward for the CNG two-wheeler segment at large. Also Read : Has the big bet on the Freedom CNG paid off? Bajaj ED Rakesh Sharma answers Tata Harrier EV secures 10,000 bookings on the first day, production commences On the first day of bookings, Tata Motors secured 10,000 orders for the Harrier EV, which is now in production. The electric SUV offers RWD and QWD configurations, impressive performance specs, advanced technology features, and multiple exterior colour options, including a sporty Stealth Edition. Also Read : Tata Harrier EV secures 10,000 bookings on the first day, production commences Mahindra XEV 9e and BE 6 Pack 2 with 79 kWh battery pack launched Mahindra and Mahindra have listened to the customer feedback and now they have introduced the larger 79 kWh battery pack to the Pack 2 variants of the XEV 9e and BE 6. Earlier, the Pack 2 variants were offered only with the smaller 59 kWh battery pack. A special mention goes to the brand for offering an option to the current Pack 2 customers to upgrade to the bigger battery pack. Also Read : Mahindra XEV 9e and BE 6 Pack 2 with 79 kWh battery pack launched Hyundai sales surpass 1.1 million units for sunroof-equipped cars in just 5 years Hyundai Motor India has announced a new milestone with the automaker retailing over 1.1 million units, specifically of sunroof-equipped cars in the country. The South Korean auto giant achieved the landmark figure in just five years, a testament to the growing popularity of sunroofs among buyers in India. For customers looking at an aspirational purchase, the availability of a sunroof has been a major part of the buying decision. Also Read : Hyundai sales surpass 1.1 million units for sunroof-equipped cars in just 5 years Pioneer VREC-H520DC dashcam review: A worthy investment or just an expensive toy? Pioneer's VREC-H520DC offers dual-channel recording and reliable footage quality. Despite some software issues and limited ADAS functionality, it remains a strong choice for those seeking dependable video evidence. Also Read : Pioneer VREC-H520DC dashcam review: A worthy investment or just an expensive toy? Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 06 Jul 2025, 08:43 AM IST
