Bajaj Auto in Pimpri Chinchwad: History, Manufacturing and the Chetak Story.

Today, Bajaj Auto holds a prominent position in both the Indian and global markets a status achieved through the hard work, determination, and perseverance of four generations. Bajaj began its journey in PCMC, and the region played a crucial role in the company's growth conversely, Bajaj has significantly contributed to the progress of PCMC. In this article, we will discuss the relationship between Bajaj Auto and PCMC.

From Bachraj Trading Corporation to Bajaj Auto.

The Bajaj Group was established in Britain on the very first day after India gained independence. Jamnalal Bajaj was the founder, he was a follower of Mahatma Gandhi, who regarded him as his fifth son. Initially, the company was named M/s Bachraj Trading Corporation and was engaged in the distribution of two wheelers and three wheelers in India. At that time, the 'Vespa' scooter from the Italian company Piaggio had become immensely popular among the public. The scooter was sold and assembled in India through a few licensed companies, one of which was the Bajaj Group.

In 1960, M/s Bachraj Trading Corporation was renamed Bajaj Auto Ltd. Today, Bajaj is the second largest two wheeler manufacturer in India and exports its vehicles to 50 countries.

1960: Bajaj Arrives in Akurdi

In 1960, the groundbreaking ceremony for Bajaj's first manufacturing plant in Akurdi, Pimpri Chinchwad (PCMC), took place. Manufacturing operations began in 1964, by that year, Bajaj was already manufacturing rickshaws.

Why Bajaj Chose Akurdi

The primary reasons for choosing Akurdi in PCMC were its proximity to Mumbai and the availability of essential resources required to set up the company. These included vast tracts of open land, water, and the fact that Mumbai was just a three hour journey away. Before Bajaj arrived, the pharmaceutical company Hindustan Antibiotics had already commenced operations in the area consequently, people from villages surrounding Pune were already flocking to Pimpri Chinchwad in search of employment. Thus, a large workforce was already available in PCMC even before Bajaj's manufacturing unit began operations.

What Bajaj Manufactures in PCMC Today

Bajaj established its first manufacturing unit in Akurdi in 1964 while the Bajaj Chetak scooter was originally manufactured there, the plant is now dedicated to the manufacturing of the Bajaj Chetak EV. Additionally, the facility houses research and development operations, as well as corporate, purchasing, and sales functions.

The 'Crystal' was the last scooter model produced at Bajaj Auto's Akurdi plant.

Motorcycles are manufactured at the unit located in Chakan, this facility produces the Bajaj Pulsar and Dominar models.

KTM and Husqvarna - Bajaj holds a significant ownership stake in KTM, and motorcycles from both KTM and Husqvarna are manufactured at the Chakan plant.

Triumph - This is a global partnership formed without equity exchange. Under this partnership, Bajaj manufactures smaller displacement Triumph motorcycles in India and also manages the distribution and sales of Triumph products within the country.

The Kawasaki Chapter - Bajaj had a long standing partnership with Kawasaki for sales and service in India. This partnership concluded in 2017.

The Birth of the Bajaj Chetak

In 1971, Indira Gandhi's government refused to extend the international collaboration agreement between Piaggio and Bajaj. Rahul Bajaj recognized the Indian public's need for two wheelers for daily commuting. He initiated efforts to introduce a Bajaj manufactured scooter to the Indian market consequently, the Bajaj Chetak was launched in 1974 and quickly became a favorite among Indians, finding its way into households across the country. However, over time, new types of motorcycles entered the Indian market, and consumer preferences shifted. As customer interest turned towards motorcycles, Bajaj ceased production of its original scooter, the Bajaj Chetak, in 2005 to focus on motorcycle manufacturing. In 2019, Bajaj began efforts to reintroduce the Chetak, this time as an electric vehicle (EV). Manufacturing of the Bajaj Chetak EV commenced at the company's Chakan plant on September 25, 2019, and the vehicle was officially launched in January 2020. Following a positive response from customers, the Akurdi plant was dedicated to Chetak EV production in June 2022 to ensure large scale market availability.

The People Behind Bajaj's PCMC Story

Globally, between 5,500 and 8,200 executives, assistant executives, and workers are employed by Bajaj. A significant portion of this workforce operates out of the company's headquarters and key manufacturing plants located in Akurdi and Chakan.

Why Akurdi and Chakan Matter to Bajaj.

In the financial year 2024-25 (FY2025), Bajaj Auto's total operating income reached a record ₹50,010 crore, while the company's total revenue stood at approximately ₹52,468 crore.

However, Bajaj Auto does not disclose separate revenue or turnover figures for individual manufacturing plants in its public financial reports. The company's key manufacturing facility in Chakan and the R&D center in Akurdi play a crucial role in the production of high margin motorcycles such as the Pulsar and Dominar as well as electric vehicles.

Consequently, these Pune based facilities account for a significant share of the company's overall production and business operations.

From Akurdi to a Global Two Wheeler Giant.

Future plans for the plants in PCMC: Emphasis is being placed on further strengthening the automobile and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing sectors in the Pimpri Chinchwad (PCMC) and Pune region. Additionally, significant investments made by the Bajaj Group in the healthcare sector are boosting industrial diversification in the area.

Foray into the EV sector: The focus will be on ramping up EV production by aligning with evolving market demands and the expanding infrastructure within the PCMC industrial belt.

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