The new fiscal has seen some seismic activity in the domestic two-wheeler space with Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India (HMSI) displacing Pune-based Bajaj Auto to become the second largest two-wheeler maker in India in terms of volumes.

As per figures released by SIAM, the Indian subsidiary of the Japanese major Honda Motor Co sold a little over 2.6 million units of motorcycles and scooters during 2012-13 in the Indian market, while Bajaj’s motorcycle sales stood at 2.46 million units.

Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto, replied to an e-mailed questionnaire from Business Line on the issue:

How does Bajaj Auto view this development?

We are a motorcycle specialist, the world's most profitable, and it’s third largest. Being a motorcycle specialist we're indifferent to moped and scooter sales. Just, as a cardiac surgeon is indifferent to the market for brain and knee surgery.

So only motorcycle stats matter to us, two-wheeler stats are irrelevant.

In some markets such as Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Uganda, Columbia and so on, we're No 1. In some like India we're No 2.

Has Honda’s growth eaten into Bajaj's market share?

No.

Is a review on scooter manufacturing on the cards?

No. Should a cardiac surgeon find ways to enlarge his current practise or should he start operating on knees?

How are you gearing up to meet the challenge given reports that Honda is targeting sales of four million units in FY 14?

By continuing to focus every minute and rupee on making the best bikes in the world. We see ourselves as a global motorcycle powerhouse.

What is your sales target for this fiscal, including exports?

Given the uncertain economic environment in most global markets we aren't making any predictions.

> alka.k@thehindu.co.in

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