Record Sales for Bajaj Freedom 125 in October 2024
The Bajaj Freedom 125, the world’s first CNG-powered motorcycle, has achieved a significant milestone by recording 11,041 units sold in October 2024, marking its highest monthly sales to date. Since its launch on July 5, 2024, the bike has garnered considerable attention for its eco-friendly design. According to Vahan data (as of November 4, 2024, 7 am), cumulative sales now stand at 20,942 units, including:
- 272 units sold in the last two weeks of July
- 4,111 units sold in August
- 4,937 units sold in September
- 11,041 units sold in October
- 581 units sold in the first three days of November
Strategic Expansion After Initial Rollout
The Bajaj Freedom 125 initially saw moderate sales, with three-digit figures in July due to a limited release in Maharashtra and Gujarat, where CNG infrastructure is well-developed. However, after expanding availability to 77 towns and cities across India, including Delhi and Kerala, demand surged post-August 15. Bajaj Auto is now targeting both Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where CNG filling stations are increasingly being established.
CNG Infrastructure Growth: Key to Success
The rapid growth of CNG filling stations is a crucial factor in the success of the Bajaj Freedom 125. Currently, India has around 7,000 CNG stations, with projections indicating this number will more than double to over 13,000 stations in the next few years. By 2030, the number is expected to rise to 17,000 stations. According to Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto, CNG is already available in 335 of India’s top 500 towns, covering 70% of the target market for the Freedom 125.
Plans to Ramp Up Production
With growing demand, Bajaj Auto plans to scale up the production of the Freedom 125. Initially, production was capped at 10,000 units for the first few months, but the company aims to increase output to between 30,000 and 40,000 units by the end of FY2025. This production boost could happen as early as January 2025, aligning with the expected increase in CNG infrastructure and demand for eco-friendly motorcycles.
Affordable and Eco-Friendly Alternative to Petrol Bikes
The Bajaj Freedom 125 is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to traditional petrol-powered motorcycles. The bike can run on both CNG and petrol, offering significant savings for consumers. Petrol prices in India, which stood at Rs 104.19 per litre in Mumbai in September, make the Freedom 125 an attractive option for budget-conscious riders.
The motorcycle comes in three variants:
- NG04 Drum: Rs 95,000
- NG04 Drum LED: Rs 105,000
- NG04 Disc LED: Rs 110,000 (all ex-showroom Delhi prices)
Technical Specifications and Dual-Fuel Capability
The Bajaj Freedom 125 is powered by a new air-cooled 125cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 9.5 hp and 9.7 Nm of torque, paired with a five-speed gearbox. The motorcycle’s top speed is 90.5 kph when running on CNG and slightly higher at 93.4 kph on petrol.
One of the key selling points of the Freedom 125 is its dual-fuel capability, which allows it to switch between CNG and petrol. The CNG tank provides a range of over 200 kilometers on just 2 kg of fuel. In addition, the 2-litre petrol tank serves as a range extender, offering an additional 130 km, giving the bike a combined range of 330 km.
Impressive Mileage and Lower Emissions
The Bajaj Freedom 125 delivers impressive mileage figures, especially when running on CNG. According to tests by Autocar India, the bike achieves:
- 94 km/kg in city driving on CNG
- 126 km/kg on highways on CNG
When running on petrol, the bike’s fuel efficiency is lower but still competitive:
- 53.4 km/l in city driving
- 62.37 km/l on highways
On the environmental front, the Freedom 125 produces significantly lower emissions compared to petrol-powered motorcycles. It emits:
- 26.7% less CO2
- 85% lower non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs)
- 43% less nitrogen oxide (NOx)
Enhanced Safety Features
The Bajaj Freedom 125 is not just about fuel efficiency—it also places a strong emphasis on safety. The motorcycle has passed 11 rigorous safety tests, including impact tests and a unique truck-run-over test. These tests ensure that the Freedom 125 meets high safety standards, providing peace of mind to riders.
Huge Potential in the Indian Market
The Bajaj Freedom 125 has enormous potential to become a major player in India’s commuter motorcycle segment. With its innovative technology and focus on affordability, it could revolutionize two-wheeled motoring in the country. The 100cc-125cc motorcycle segment, which the Freedom 125 targets, accounts for nearly 75% of the 1 million motorcycles sold each month in India. Additionally, around 60% of customers in this segment have access to CNG pumping stations, giving Bajaj a large addressable market of 450,000 to 500,000 potential customers per month.
In September 2024, the 100cc-125cc segment saw sales of 10,13,891 motorcycles, representing 78% of the 12,98,610 bikes dispatched to dealers in India. Bajaj aims to capture a significant share of this fuel-efficient motorcycle market with the Freedom 125.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Bajaj Auto
The Bajaj Freedom 125 is poised to be a game-changer in the Indian motorcycle market. With its innovative dual-fuel capability, eco-friendly design, and focus on affordability, it offers a compelling option for mileage-conscious consumers. As the CNG infrastructure continues to expand, the Freedom 125 is well-positioned to capture a significant portion of the growing demand for greener, more cost-effective transportation options in India.
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