Bajaj Autos Sales Drop Over 20 Percent in Q1 of Financial Year 2017-18

The Pune based Bajaj bike maker has witnessed a huge fall of over 20 percent in the first quarter of the 2017-18 financial year. As reported, the company managed to sell only 4,26,562 motorcycles in the first quarter (April to June) of this financial year in contrast with the 5,48,880 motorcycles dispatched in the same quarter last year.

The 100cc motorcycles portfolio has come out as a big reason behind this fall in sales. Of the total 4,26,562 disposed units, the count of 100cc motorcycles were 1,85,861 units. However, in the same quarter last year, Bajaj has sold 2,31,481 units in the segment. The exports figures also went down with the 1.67 lakh units sale in the first quarter of 2017-18 as against to the 1.71 lakh units in the last year.

The two major events such as the ban on sale and registration of BS vehicles effective from 1st April 2017 and the most recent GST implementation, disturbed the sales chart of almost every two wheeler manufacturers in the Indian biking industry.

While the BS3 ban almost every manufacturer offered hefty discounts to clear their outstanding stock. And before GST, the Bajaj was the first 2-wheeler company to pass on GST benefits by announcing rate cuts to collect volume but the anticipation similar to BS3 ban made the audience to hold off their purchase. Consequently, the fall in the first quarter sales as on a year on year basis.

In the 100cc portfolio, Bajaj consists of the Bajaj Platina Comfortec, CT 100 and CT 100B. The CT 100 get the propelling power from a 99cc engine that is capable of generating 8.2 HP and 8.05 Nm in association with a mated 4-speed gearbox. The similar powertrain propels the Bajaj CT 100B. Priced at just Rs. 32,653/-, the CT 100B is the most affordable motorcycles in the Bajaj lineup.

On the other hand, the Platina is slight costlier as the bike is focused on offering comfort and mileage. At the suspension front, the Platina comes equipped with a longer suspension both at the front and rear. Other alluring features include a spring soft seat and rubber foot pegs which offer a comfortable ride. The Bajaj Platina with spoke wheels is priced at Rs. 42,650/- while the one with alloy wheels make you spend Rs. 45,638/- (all prices ex showroom, Delhi).