Bajaj auto deepens offerings, unveils mini-cargo, mulls production plant next year
Leading Indian auto technology group, Bajaj Auto, has introduced to the Nigerian market a new range of products – the Bajaj MaximaC, a mini truck for cargo delivery and mini ambulance trucks all tailor – suit for Nigeria’s rough and bad rural roads.
Currently, the company is occupying number three in the global ranking of manufacturer of 3-wheelers and two wheeler vehicles.
In his remarks during the launch in Abuja, Senior Vice President, Mr. K.S Grihapathy said even as all the new products plus existing ones are currently being assembled in Nigeria, there are plans for the development of a complete manufacturing unit in Nigeria from next year.
He further explained that the engine is mated to a 5 – speed gear box for optimum load carrying over carrying terrains.
Already, Bajaj Boxer motorcycle remains the market leader in the nation’s Okada business.
Grihapathy added further that “It is easy to drive, compact lightweight and has an extremely strong chassis made of reinforced steel. The vehicle also comes with a dry clutch and car type CV shaft which calls for very less maintenance. The vehicle has a covered cabin for all weather protection and comfort of the driver”.
“Over the years, our passengers – 3 Wheeler has become a part of the social fabric in Nigeria. Apart from being an effective first and the last mile transportation solution, it also provides employment to millions. With Maxima Cargo, we are now introducing our range of cargo 3-wheelers and ushering in a new solution of cargo transportation that is cleaner, safer, and more comfortable. We feel that this vehicle will be an effective solution in the last mile cargo space in Nigeria which currently is beset by problems like congestion, traffic, and pollution.
In his address, the core investor and Managing Director of Metropolitan Motors, the Sole Distributor of the products in Nigeria, Mr. Toyin Okewo expressed satisfaction to be partnering with Bajaj, saying that the new products are durable, affordable and rugged.
He said “Our partnership with Bajaj began last year when Metropolitan Motors was selected out of 43 others firms and we have become the first company in Africa to be so selected for distributorship for these new products .
“The products are answer or solution to transportation challenges. We are happy to partner them in creating a new segment of last mile transportation, given its affordable cost, multi- purpose nature and the Nigerian road landscape .we believe there’s is a good market for such a vehicle in the last mile cargo sector in Nigeria. We recommend them because of their usefulness for agriculture and job creation and whereby seek assistance of stakeholders like the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture,” Mr. Okeowo pleaded.
In his speech, the special guest at the lunch and Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu said “This is a game changer for our people. It’s going to add value to our people. We need more if this so that our young men and women can get employment. We are looking forward to a time that these vehicles will not only be assembled here but manufactured in Nigeria because Nigeria is a big market. The partnership couldn’t have come at a better time than now when we have challenges with unemployment.”
Business Hilights gathered that in India, Bajaj Auto accounts for almost 84% of India’s three-wheeler exports. During the FY 2012-13, it sold approx. 480,000 three-wheelers which was 57% of the total market share in India. Out of these 480,000 three-wheelers, 53% were exported and remaining 47% were sold in India.
Here in Nigeria, tricycle from the company control about 79 per cent of the transport mode currently.
