Bajaj Auto eyes exports of Discover 100T motorcycle

Two-wheeler major Bajaj Auto is planning to export its latest 100cc motorcycle "Discover 100T" (Tourer) after 4-5 months as part of strategy to ramp up product offerings in overseas market, a company official said.

"Initially we are looking at the domestic market. May be after four or five months, we will be looking exports of this motorcycle", Bajaj Auto General Manager (Sales), R Chandrasekar told reporters here.

The company has been shipping some of its products including the Pulsar and Discover models to markets like South Africa, Latin America and Indonesia.

"We will be looking at third world countries. Indonesia,South Africa and some Far East markets", he said. The company today launched the Discover 100T. Priced at Rs 51,979 (ex-showroom Chennai), Discover 100T is comparatively costlier than the existing Discover 100cc model by about Rs 7,000.

Stating that the company was targeting 30 per cent market share in this segment, he said, "We plan to sell about 45,000 units nationwide", he said. Bajaj Auto would begin production of this motorcycle at its Pant Nagar plant end of this month for serving the Northern markets.

Observing that the motorcycle industry in South and Western regions have remained 'flat' in the last few months,he said, "the company is aiming to sell about 12,000 units in Tamil Nadu alone which would receive the first batch of motorcycles coinciding with the forthcoming festive season".

Company officials said they are positioning Discover 100T to compete with Honda Motor Cycle's Dream Yuga and Hero MotoCorp's PassionPro.