Bajaj Auto to Launch World’s First CNG-Powered Motorcycle
However, Bajaj said that the users should not have their expectations high as there will be only one launch this year, adding that the company is focused on getting ‘the basics’ right.
Bajaj Auto, the renowned two-wheeler giant, is set to make history by launching the world’s first CNG-powered motorcycle. Originally planned for next year, the launch has been advanced to the next quarter, according to a report by CNN-News 18. In an interview with the channel, Rajiv Bajaj, the managing director of Bajaj Auto, highlighted the company’s motivation for developing a CNG bike: the environment. In 2019, Bajaj Auto announced an investment of USD 8 million (around ₹66 crore) in Yulu to boost electric vehicle adoption in India. Bajaj Auto’s development of the world’s first CNG-powered motorcycle showcases their commitment to environmental sustainability
Environmentally Friendly Benefits of CNG Motorcycles
Bajaj explained that compared to gasoline-powered bikes, CNG motorcycles offer significant environmental advantages. Carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by almost 50%, carbon monoxide by 75%, and non-methane hydrocarbons by 90%. These impressive figures make the CNG-powered bike a “potentially fantastic” option for those concerned about the environment.
Focusing on the Basics and Realistic Expectations
While Bajaj Auto is making strides in developing eco-friendly motorcycles, Bajaj cautioned against setting high expectations. He mentioned that there would be only one launch this year, emphasizing the company’s focus on getting the fundamentals right. Bajaj drew inspiration from Hero Honda’s strategy of doubling mileage or halving fuel costs for citizens, indicating a commitment to providing practical solutions.
In addition to their efforts in CNG motorcycles, Bajaj Auto has been making other significant moves in the industry. Their total two-wheeler sales for the month have risen by 25% to 294,684 units, as reported by Reuters. Furthermore, the company recently announced an additional investment of ₹45.75 crore in Yulu Bikes, an electric bike-sharing platform. This investment brings Bajaj Auto’s shareholding in Yulu Bikes to 18.8% of the platform’s paid-up equity share capital.
Back in 2019, Bajaj Auto had already invested USD 8 million (around ₹66 crore) in Yulu Bikes, demonstrating their commitment to promoting electric vehicle adoption in India.
Predicted Growth in the Passenger Vehicle Market
According to ICRA, a leading ratings firm, the domestic passenger vehicle (PV) market is expected to grow by six to nine percent in the current financial year compared to the previous fiscal year. The firm estimates that the PV industry will achieve a sales figure of 4.2 million units in the current fiscal year. This data indicates positive growth and reflects the ongoing demand for passenger vehicles in the Indian market.
In conclusion, Bajaj Auto’s development of the world’s first CNG-powered motorcycle showcases their commitment to environmental sustainability. With significant reductions in carbon emissions, these bikes offer a greener alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. While the company remains focused on perfecting their CNG motorcycle, they are also making strides in other areas, such as increasing two-wheeler sales and investing in electric bike-sharing platforms. Additionally, the predicted growth in the passenger vehicle market indicates a promising future for the industry as a whole.
Bajaj Auto’s total two-wheeler sales for the month rose 25% to 294,684 units, Reuters reported.
Recently, Bajaj Auto had announced that it invested an additional ₹45.75 crore in electric bike-sharing platform Yulu Bikes. Post the fresh investment, the company’s shareholding in Yulu Bikes stands at 18.8 per cent of the paid up equity share capital of the electric bike-sharing platform, Bajaj Auto said in a regulatory filing.
In 2019, Bajaj Auto announced an investment of USD 8 million (around ₹66 crore) in Yulu to boost electric vehicle adoption in India.
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