Nigeria leads in Bajaj Tricycle, Okada import as firm exports 1.65m in 1 month
Latest statistics has shown that worldwide, Nigeria ranks amongst the highest importers of Bajaj transport products including Tricycle (popularly called Keke-NAPEP) and Bajaj Motorcycles known as Okada.
The figure showed that whereas Nigeria’s Okada imports dropped in 2015/16 when there was total ban on it in some states including Lagos, the observed apparent relaxation of the ban in Lagos fired up imports between 2017/18 while Keke-NAPEP use and demand across the federation soared within the period under review.
This development supported the recent report that for the month of December 2018, Bajaj exports stood at 1,65,848 units compared with 1,43,038 units in 2017, an increase of 16 per cent.
According to the company with headquarters in Indian, Motorcycle sales grew 31 per cent to 2,98,855 units in December 2018 against 2,28,762 units in December 2017 while commercial vehicles sales declined by 26 per cent to 47,344 units during the month compared to 63,785 units in the year-ago period.
Only recently, the group released its new identity as ‘The World’s Favourite Indian’ as it achieved dramatic transition from a domestic scooter maker to a global motorcycle powerhouse in 17 years.
Business Hilights gathered that the launch of the Pulsar from its Chakan plant in 2001 marked the beginning of this interesting global ride, the company said, adding that building on its ‘Humara Bajaj’ roots of providing reliable mobility solutions, Bajaj Auto has invested a lot in technology and innovation to design motorcycles that are loved not only in India but 70 countries around the world.
Beside, the retail showrooms will also undergo a transformation with new signage and branding in line with the message of ‘The World’s Favourite Indian’, the company said.
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto, in his remarks noted that “Our international performance is validation of our strategy of focus and differentiation. Our unwavering commitment towards building the best motorcycles in the world through design, technology, quality and customer satisfaction has made us a truly global brand”.
He said since the launch of Pulsar 17 years back, the company has become the third-largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, ahead of several Japanese and European brands that have been around for much longer.
“In any market around the world, when people think of motorcycles, they should think of Bajaj. That will help us achieve our vision of being a Global Motorcycle Specialist,” Bajaj said.
