Bajaj Auto has made key changes to its top management. Sarang Kanade takes over from Eric Vas as President of the Bajaj motorcycle vertical. Eric Vas had taken over as president of Bajaj Motorcycles in 2014. He is now heading the Urbanite electric business vertical.
This will see Sumeet Narang who presides as VP since 2018 head the company’s Probiking Business Unit. Amit Nandi, who led as president of Probiking as well as KTM India, since it came into being, leaves Bajaj Auto after 12 years. He also heads KTM Motorcycles in South Asia, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Bajaj motorcycle business comprises a wide range with the popular Pulsar variants, Dominar, Avenger, V15, Discover, CT 100, and Platina. Demand for CT 100, Platina and Pulsar variants helps Bajaj rake in volumes, and improve its market share.
Though not yet revealed officially by Bajaj, a recent report pegs new 2019 Bajaj Dominar price at Rs 1,73,870, ex-sh Delhi. In terms of sales in a currently difficult Indian market, Bajaj Auto, is among the company’s to have reported increased market share through FY19 Q3 having gained 280 bps market share in the domestic two-wheeler industry, a boost that came from a strong push by Bajaj to focus on economy segment motorcycle sales.
With the future hinting at electric vehicle adoption on a large scale, Vas’ appointment at the helm of Urbanite will make inroads into unchartered territory. Following a major announcement in 2018, an Urbanite electric scooter is to debut in FY20.
Probiking revolves around KTM, and as things stand will soon be charged with handling the Husqvarna brand. Under the Bajaj Auto aegis, the company already operates Bajaj, KTM and RE commercial vehicle. An electric vehicle network will soon be introduced.