New Delhi, June 29: Bajaj Auto is all set to launch a 125CC 'world bike' next month, which will be sourced by Japanese two-wheeler major Kawasaki for the international market, a senior company official said. Codenamed '612', the motorcycle would be initially introduced in the domestic market and later sold in overseas markets by Bajaj Auto's technical partner, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, said the official.
"The motorcycle should be launched by the end of July. We will initially sell it in the domestic market and later export it," he said. He did not give details about the production target or export earnings from the new motorcycle.
The new motorcycle is expected to plug the gap between the existing 115CC 'Caliber' and 150CC 'Pulsar' motorcycles besides bringing in additional volumes from exports. The launch of the product is part of steps initiated to make Bajaj Auto's Aurangabad plant a global sourcing hub for sub-250CC motorcycles.
Kawasaki wants to source sub-250CC motorcycles from Bajaj Auto and sell it in the export markets as it produces only over 250CC motorcycles. The motorcycles were also found to be good in quality besides being cost competitive.
Presently, all Bajaj motorcycles, except the 'Byk' and 'Pulsar', are made with technology from Kawasaki.
Last fiscal, Bajaj Auto exported 94,133 two and three-wheelers, a 112.4 per cent growth over the previous year.
To increase its exports, the company has opened a sales office in Dubai to cater to the Middle East market.