Bajaj-Triumph Bike Early Testing Begins: After having been in discussion for more than two years now, Triumph and Bajaj Auto are expected to sign a much-delayed formal agreement in December this year, as notified by a senior Triumph official. It is being said that it will take at least two years for the commercial launch of the first of several mid-capacity bikes that both the brands have been planning for India and global markets.
The Chief Product Officer of Triumph Motorcycles, Steve Sargent said in an interview – “We have been working with Bajaj (Auto) for a couple of years now and we are close to finalising an agreement with them. Our cooperation in product development has been progressing well.”
The brand told that it has already developed a bike prototype that is currently under the testing stage. Sargent added to his statement by saying – “We are very pleased about how the bikes are looking. Rajiv Bajaj recently came over to look at the progress and styling of the models. Bajaj was very pleased with what he saw.”
Triumph is looking forward to challenging the Harley-Davidson’s smallest and most affordable bike ever in China that will be powered by a 338cc engine. When enquired if Bajaj Auto can use the vehicle platform for the development of its own products, then the Cheif Product Officer said, – “That’s not part of the agreement. The agreement is on an IP (intellectual property) basis. Bajaj Auto retains the IP that they have and we retain the IP that we have. There is a royalty element to the relationship. If they develop any products using their IP, they are completely free to do that, but if they were to use Triumph IP, then we would have to have a conversation.”
Triumph is looking forward to utilising the strength of Bajaj Auto’s business in Africa where it is in the top two list, no matter where it operates. As far as the Indian market is concerned, the upcoming mid-size Bajaj-Triumph bike will be sold through Triumph dealerships.
