The first product from Bajaj-Triumph partnership could be showcased in its concept form at the 2020 EICMA show in Italy
The initial announcements regarding Bajaj Auto and Triumph Motorcycles’ partnership were revealed back in August 2017. Considering the way Bajaj turned KTM’s fortunes around after increasing the 14.5 per cent stake in 2007 to nearly 48 per cent in 2015-16 in the Austrian brand, the new relationship holds plenty of significance for both the companies in domestic as well as global scale.
The alliance rides on mutual benefits using each other’s expertise in various departments by creating new business opportunities. In the non-equity partnership, mid-capacity motorcycles were confirmed to be produced with contribution from Bajaj and Triumph in the realms of R&D, cost effectiveness, distribution, etc.
The bikes coming under the partnership will be manufactured at Bajaj’s Chakan facility as high localisation could play a key factor in bringing out quality products efficiently at lower price brackets. While the conceptualisation and design areas could be taken care of by Triumph, Bajaj will more likely be responsible for the engineering works.
The co-operation could not have come at a better time as customers are shrugging away from buying premium motorcycles and Royal Enfield has proved that aggressively priced models like the 650 Twins can trump the established big brands like Harley-Davidson. Despite nearly two years have passed by, Bajaj and Triumph have largely remained silent about the potential products.
While the first motorcycle was expected to hit the market next year, we do not have a confirmation on it yet. Recently, Rakesh Sharma Executive Director of Bajaj Auto, told a media outlet that the talks with Triumph have reached “an advanced stage” and a conclusion will be reached in the coming month or two.
Bajaj and Triumph could use the highly recognised EICMA show in Milan this November to announce concrete plans and a concept may as well debut the following year at the same show. The first production-spec motorcycle spawned out of Bajaj-Triumph partnership may only arrive sometime during 2021 reportedly.
Towards the end of 2019, Bajaj will launch the Husqvarna brand in India with Svartpilen and Vitpilen 401 motorcycles. The Swedish premium bike maker could occupy the showroom space alongside KTM.