Bajaj Auto on Saturday ended its long-standing alliance with Japan's Kawasaki for sales and services of its two-wheelers in India from 1 April onwards.
Going forward, Bajaj is keen on its partnership with Austrian firm KTM, under which it has been converting its Probiking outlets where Kawasaki motorcycles were also sold, into KTM dealerships selling the popular Duke motorcycles.
The Bajaj-KTM partnership, launched its first co-developed product – the 200 Duke – in 2012.
Kawasaki motorcycles will be sold by India Kawasaki Motors Pvt Ltd – 100% subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Japan – through its dealer network. The unit was established in India in July 2010. It will also provide after sales service, including for past customers.
Bajaj Auto formed an alliance with Kawasaki for the sale and after sales service of Kawasaki motorcycles through its Probiking network in 2009.
Bajaj clearly sees the potential of KTM bikes in India, of which around 37,000 units has been sold in 2016-17.
With over 300 dealerships, Bajaj will push the Dukes for its performance-centric audience, while the 400-cc Dominar will be marketed to riders with preference for more practicality and less power-hogging.
(With PTI inputs)
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