Introduction
If you’ve ever ridden a motorcycle or a three-wheeler in India, chances are it bore the iconic Bajaj badge. Bajaj Auto Ltd. has been a driving force in India’s automotive industry, shaping mobility with its innovative and reliable products. A flagship of the Bajaj Group, the company was founded by Jamnalal Bajaj in the 1940s and has since grown into a global powerhouse. Known as ‘The World’s Favourite Indian,’ Bajaj Auto continues to revolutionize the two- and three-wheeler market with a legacy of excellence and innovation.
Bajaj Auto Through the Years
1945 – 1948: The Foundation
Founded on November 29, 1945, as M/s Bachraj Trading Corporation Private Limited. Bajaj Auto began as an importer and distributor of two- and three-wheelers in India. Over time, it transitioned into manufacturing, laying the foundation for its leadership in the automotive industry.
1959 – 1960: The Shift to Manufacturing
With a manufacturing license granted by the Indian government, Bajaj Auto took a major step toward self-sufficiency. A key milestone was the launch of the Vespa 150, produced under license from Italy’s Piaggio. The Vespa became immensely popular, thriving for over a decade with its iconic steel unibody design that made it both stylish and durable.
1970 – 1972: The Rise of the Chetak
Bajaj Auto marked a major milestone by producing its 100,000th vehicle, reinforcing its rapid growth. The launch of India’s first three-wheeler goods carrier further supported the country’s booming industrial sector. However, the defining moment came in 1972 with the launch of the Bajaj Chetak, named after Maharana Pratap’s legendary horse. Designed as an affordable and reliable mode of transport, the Chetak became an Indian household name, forever associated with the slogan: ‘Hamara Bajaj.’
1977: Expanding the Portfolio
With the expiration of Bajaj’s license agreement with Vespa, the company launched the Bajaj Super, which quickly became a status symbol in Indian households. That same year, Bajaj Auto introduced the Bajaj Priya, a three-geared scooter, and debuted its first rear-engine auto-rickshaw, strengthening its presence in the three-wheeler market.
1981 – 1990: Entering the Motorcycle Segment
In 1981, Bajaj launched the M-50, followed by the M-80 in 1986, which became one of Bajaj’s flagship models. That same year, Bajaj partnered with Kawasaki to introduce the KB100 and KB125, marking its entry into performance-oriented motorcycles. The legendary ‘Hamara Bajaj’ campaign transformed Bajaj scooters into a cultural icon. In 1990, Bajaj introduced the Sunny, a 60cc scooterette for teenagers, which gained popularity before being phased out.
1991 – 1999: Strengthening Market Dominance
In 1991, Bajaj launched the Kawasaki Bajaj 4S Champion, a commuter-friendly motorcycle that became a daily rider’s favorite. By 1995, Bajaj Auto celebrated its 50th anniversary, surpassing 10 million vehicle sales, with over a million units sold in a single year.
In 1997, the company introduced the Kawasaki Bajaj Boxer—which became hugely successful in Africa—and the RE Diesel Auto Rickshaw. In 1999, Bajaj launched the Spirit, a compact scooterette designed for college students, as part of an aggressive expansion strategy that saw 18 models released in just 18 months.
2001 – 2005: The Pulsar Revolution
Bajaj redefined sports biking in India with the launch of the Pulsar, transforming the motorcycle segment. The company expanded its global presence, exporting at scale, starting with Mexico. The Pulsar series received an upgrade with DTS-i technology, enhancing efficiency and performance.
The Bajaj Avenger revolutionized the cruiser segment, offering unmatched comfort and style.
2006 – 2010: Innovation and Growth
In April 2006, Bajaj launched the Platina at an ex-showroom price of ₹35,000, which crossed 500,000 unit sales within eight months. With a top speed of 91 km/h and an acceleration of 0–60 km/h in 7.2 seconds, the Platina became a popular commuter choice. In 2007, Bajaj Auto entered an equity partnership with KTM, introducing high-performance racing bikes to India. That same year, Bajaj inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. In 2009, the launch of the Pulsar 220 took the market by storm, becoming a favorite among young thrill-seekers and reinforcing Bajaj’s dominance in the sports bike segment.
2013 – 2020: Expanding Performance Biking
In 2013, Bajaj expanded its performance biking segment with the India-made KTMs Duke 125 and 250. This made high-performance motorcycles accessible to a wider audience. In 2015, the Pulsar RS200, the fastest in the Pulsar lineup, was introduced.
Bajaj Auto continued innovating in 2016 with the Dominar 400, a high-performance motorcycle, and the Bajaj V, uniquely crafted using metal from INS Vikrant. In 2019, the Chetak returned as an all-electric scooter, covering an impressive 70,000 km across India. The Pulsar 125 became the fastest-selling model in the Pulsar series.
2020 – 2025: The Future of Mobility
In 2020, Bajaj Auto invested ₹650 Crores in a new high-end motorcycle plant in Chakan. That same year, the company announced a strategic partnership with Triumph Motorcycles.
Momentum continued in 2021 with the Pulsar F250 and N250, featuring an entirely new platform and the largest-ever Pulsar engine. In 2022, Bajaj Auto committed ₹300 Crores to a new EV manufacturing unit in Akurdi. They aimed for a production capacity of 500,000 EV units per year.
On July 5, 2024, Bajaj Auto achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the launch of the Freedom 125, the world’s first CNG-powered motorcycle. This revolutionary model has garnered immense interest, receiving over 30,000 inquiries within just a week, highlighting its game-changing impact on sustainable mobility.
Conclusion
Bajaj Auto’s journey, from an importer of two- and three-wheelers to a global automotive leader, is a testament to its innovation, resilience, and customer-centric approach. Over the decades, it has revolutionized urban mobility, commuter motorcycles, and sports biking, consistently setting new industry benchmarks.
With a strong focus on sustainability and cutting-edge technology, Bajaj Auto is poised to lead the future of mobility in India and beyond. Whether it’s the legendary Chetak, the revolutionary Pulsar, or the groundbreaking Freedom 125, Bajaj continues to power generations with reliability, performance, and innovation.
Sources :-
Bajaj
Motorbeam
Wikipedia
Drivespark
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