Jayesh Manmode’s Post

As an automotive enthusiast I never thought I would use the words CNG and motorcycle together in the same sentence, but here we are...Bajaj Auto Ltd has launched the World's First CNG Motorcycle - the Freedom 125!! Having previously worked in vehicle design & certification and currently working in the CGD industry; this is right up my alley - how could I not post about it! The Freedom 125 will be powered by a 125cc single-cylinder engine, which can run on both petrol and CNG as it is equipped with a twin-tank setup - one for petrol and the other for CNG where the rider can switch between fuels on the go with just the flick of a switch! It will address the twin challenge of reducing rising fuel costs and reducing the environmental footprint from travel. Bajaj claims that riders can reduce their operational costs by 50 percent by reducing fuel expenses compared to similar petrol-driven motorcycles. The bike will have a phased launch, with the initial roll out set for Gujarat and Maharashtra as these states are mature CGD markets with adequate CNG infrastructure. As the bike slowly becomes available in all major cities in India, it will be a challenge for CGD entities all across the country as they will have to cater to a completely new category of consumers who will have their own unique set of needs.

Last week saw the exciting launch of Bajaj Auto Ltd ’s Freedom- the first CNG bike in the world ! This is the first disruptive innovation in the Sub-125cc category in a long time. Why is this a #strategic move for Bajaj ? #frontrunner 24 years after launching the first CNG Auto in India, Bajaj Auto commands a 87% market share in CNG Autos, giving them a first mover advantage in the CNG segment. #growth The share of CNG vehicles among 3 wheeler CVs has surged from 8% to 65% in the last three years- a clear indication of CNG’s success and popularity. #infra CNG infra is expected to grow to 17000+ stations across 300 cities by 2030. This penetration could significantly drive CNG adoption. #economics At approx 70-90 paisa/km, the cost of CNG fuel/km is almost half compared to an ICE scooter, significantly improving cost of ownership. Further, the government is proposing to bring CNG under the GST regime, which could reduce costs for the mileage-conscious customer . If Bajaj can alleviate concerns around maintenance and reliability with this new platform, the iCNG could challenge the dominance of ICE scooters, enhancing Bajaj’s market share and revolutionising the hotly-contested commuter segment. #auto #cng #2wheeler #scooters #greenfuels Sarang Kanade Manik Nangia

The “Hamara Bajaj” moment every Indian should cherish. Bajaj Auto is all set to launch world's first CNG motorcycle range in 2024-25. And this is a good news for many reasons. Let's see how this development may change the landscape of Indian 2-wheeler industry - Comparison with existing options: ▶ Petrol Vs. CNG: While petrol boasts a higher energy density (more energy per unit volume), CNG is significantly cheaper than petrol, leading to long-term fuel cost savings for consumers. ▶ EV Vs. CNG: CNG infrastructure is more established than electric vehicle charging stations in many regions and refuelling is quicker than electric vehicle charging. 🌏 Environmental Benefits: As Bajaj Auto claims, CNG motorcycles could significantly reduce harmful emissions with 🔻 CO2 levels down by 50% 🔻 CO levels down by 75% 🔻 NMHC(Non-methane Hydrocarbons) levels down by 90% when compared to the existing petrol variants available in the market as per preliminary testing. 💡 What’s in it for Bajaj Auto? First-Mover Advantage: By pioneering CNG motorcycles, Bajaj Auto can capture a significant market share in regions where CNG infrastructure and cost-consciousness are priorities. Addressing EV Concerns: CNG offers a viable alternative for consumers hesitant about electric vehicles due to Range Anxiety, Charging Infrastructure and Upfront Costs Overall, Bajaj Auto's CNG motorcycle range has the potential to disrupt the two-wheeler market by offering a compelling combination of affordability, environmental benefits, and readily available fuel infrastructure. The success will depend on managing the initial cost concerns and ensuring a smooth user experience. What do think about this development? Let us know in the comments. (Image generated by AI) #ShareMarket #bajajauto #ev #India #twowheeler #bikes

Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd, explains the logic behind launching a CNG motorcycle. He shares that Bajaj Auto Ltd expects this to be a pivotal point in the development of the two-wheeler industry in the country. And if we have to take the government at face value, which there is no reason to disbelieve, the CNG network is going to grow even further and faster, every month 100 new pumps are being added. That means CNG will have ubiquitous availability. At this point, their estimate is only 60%, but it will go to 80%. #RideTheChange #GameChanger #BajajAuto #TheWorldsFavouriteIndian

#BajajAuto plans to disrupt the #entrylevel #motorcycle market with the #world's first #CNG-run #motorcycle, aiming to halve monthly fuel expenses. The bi-fuel motorcycles, priced at a premium, will challenge Hero MotoCorp's dominance. Bajaj aims to capitalize on the mileage-conscious entry-level segment, where it currently holds an 8% share. The move aligns with government carbon reduction goals and leverages Bajaj's experience in CNG three-wheelers. Launching first in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Bajaj plans to expand its CNG motorcycle portfolio in India and select international markets. Source and Credit: ET & Respective Author.

Bajaj Auto's Managing Director, Rajiv Bajaj, made a significant announcement on Friday, revealing that India's first CNG-powered motorcycle will hit the market in June. This groundbreaking bike, expected to fall within the 100-125cc segment, is specifically designed for mileage-conscious consumers and will debut under a new brand name. The CNG motorcycle is anticipated to come with a higher price tag compared to its petrol-powered counterparts, primarily due to increased manufacturing costs and the inclusion of a special tank that accommodates both petrol and CNG fuel options. This innovative feature provides customers with the convenience of choosing between two fuel options. Despite the higher upfront cost, the operational expenses of the CNG motorcycle are projected to be significantly lower, approximately half that of petrol motorcycles in the same engine size category. This makes the CNG bike an attractive option for environmentally conscious and budget-friendly riders. Rajiv Bajaj acknowledged the government's efforts in expanding the CNG pump network, which has contributed to the growing adoption of CNG vehicles in regions where fuel is readily available. This infrastructure development is expected to further boost the demand for CNG-powered motorcycles, making them a viable alternative to traditional petrol-powered bikes. The introduction of India's first CNG-powered motorcycle marks a significant milestone in the country's automotive industry, offering a cleaner and more cost-effective option for riders. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this innovative bike performs and whether it will pave the way for future CNG-powered models. . . . #BajajAuto #CNGMotorcycle #EcoFriendlyVehicles #FuelEfficientBikes #SustainableTransportation #tribunetrends

As an automobile enthusiast, I'm proud that an Indian company has come up with a great innovation. Yes, I’m talking about the Bajaj-Freedom, the world’s first CNG motorcycle. Taking environmental concerns seriously, a portion of the population has put petroleum vehicles on the backseat and is moving toward buying so-called environmentally friendly electric vehicles. It won't be long before people realize that electric vehicles aren’t as environmentally friendly as they seem, considering their batteries and the sources of electricity, which indirectly contribute to pollution. So, Bajaj Auto Ltd has entered the market at the right time with the right vehicle, a CNG-powered bike, featuring advanced suspension, disc brakes, Bluetooth, and more—all at an affordable price. This unique concept is nothing short of amazing. The concept they built behind the name 'Freedom'—freedom from paradoxical and unsustainable subsidies on electric vehicles, freedom from petroleum imports and fluctuating petrol prices, and freedom from range and charging anxiety—is a brilliant marketing strategy and promises to be a strong competitor to Hero's economical range. I used to ride an old Bajaj CT 100 during my college days, and even after six years of driving other big bikes, I still miss it. I am a great fan of Bajaj's refined engines and their continued innovations. Overall, I believe it will significantly disrupt the 125cc motorcycle market, as 60% of the Indian prefer economical vehicle. #Bajaj #Motorcycle #IndianMotorcycle #IndianMotorcycleCompany #AutoWorld #Automobile #AutomobileIndustry #CNGMotorcycle

Alternate fuel space gets interesting - as Bajaj set stage with the disruptive launch of the world’s 1st hybrid CNG motorcycle, aptly reminding of it's iconic lyrical ad “Buland Bharat Ki Buland Tasveer" simply translated as “The proud image of a strong India” The new Freedom offers :2L petrol tank (range of 65 km/L) + 2 kg CNG tank (range of 102 km/kg), providing a combined range of over 300 km. “Freedom” symbolizes liberation from various concerns of costs, commuting, charging and chaos over subsidies. Design is seamless that the CNG tank fitting is virtually invisible. It will be fascinating to see how this alternate fuel of CNG bike carves out its niche, in times when e-2W are approaching double-digit market penetration in India and its ripples in the globe! https://lnkd.in/dc78yKQ2

3-wheeler dominance gives #Bajaj confidence to try 2-wheelers running on #CNG Undaunted, Bajaj is looking at launching a CNG-powered motorcycle by 2024-25 and then testing the market with a CNG scooter. For projections, it is looking at electric two-wheelers as an indication Bajaj Auto, the king of the market for CNG-powered passenger three-wheelers, now wants to replicate this dominance in two-wheelers. The difference is that while the former is zooming — registrations for CNG-powered passenger three-wheelers nearly doubled during January-December 2023 — the latter, meaning a market for CNG-powered two-wheelers, does not exist..... https://bit.ly/48JfrDL #India #Business #Automotive #TwoWheeler Surajeet Das Gupta Via business-standard.com

Bajaj Auto Ltd is set to launch the world’s first CNG-powered motorcycle in the next quarter. While this is exciting news, the question remains: is it required and viable for manufacturers? A business viability analysis shows that the outlook for electric battery two-wheelers is more promising, driven by strong market demand and policy support. However, CNG two-wheelers offer a niche market opportunity, particularly in regions with existing CNG infrastructure and strict emission regulations. Ultimately, the business viability of electric versus CNG two-wheelers heavily depends on market trends, regulatory environments, and technological advancements. It will be interesting to see how this new launch fares in the coming months. #BajajAuto #CNGmotorcycle #electricvehicles