Bajaj unveils revolutionary DTS-Si engine

Pune, Aug 9 (UNI) Bajaj Auto achieved a major breakthrough today with the launch of its new ''Digital Twin Spark - Swirl Induction (DTS-Si)'' engine specially developed for its new 125 cc ''Exceed'' motorcycles to be launched next month.

Addressing a press conference, Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said, ''The new technology engine will give an amazing mileage of 109 km per litre that has been approved by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and will catalyze the 100 cc customer to upgrade to the superior 125 cc bike. The product is the result of no compromise with power and mileage.'' ''We have found that the 100 cc market is degrading due to the absence of excitement and lack of motivation. Our market share is intact but we hope to do well in the festival season and capitalize on the postponement of purchase. The potential is huge and we hope to roll out 50,000 units by October from Waluj facility in Aurangabad. Presently, we are bringing out 1,000 units followed by 20,000 units in September. The production will also begin at Pant Nagar facility,'' Mr Bajaj added.

''We are looking at targetting one-third of the middle rung market segment that has been so far dominated by others. We are at the top and the lower end but we do not mind reducing our presence in the lower end,'' Mr Bajaj pointed out.

To another query about pricing, he said that the product will have a nationwide launch on September 9, but the price will be in the range of Rs 45,000. We already have a market share of 36.2 per cent and would like to increase it to around 50 per cent ideally.

Talking about patenting the products, Mr Bajaj said ''It has been applied for and there are around 50 items pending. These things take time.'' Answering a query about connections with Kawasaki, he said that it was still relevant for technology and exports. Kawasaki manages the export retail market for Bajaj in Philippines.

After a three-year research at ''Ahead'' Bajaj research and development (R&D), the DTS-Si 125 cc has a four-stroke natural air cooled engine. It has one cylinder, with an engine displacement of 124.58 cc. It has a microprocessor-controlled Digital CDI, with TRICS incorporated in carburettor. The 'Exceed' has technical superiority over others and the technology can be used in other two wheelers too, remarked R&D Head Joseph Abraham.

UNI