Bajaj Auto is now iconic with the Pulsar, its most-selling two-wheeler. However, a few decades ago, the scenario was different. The company was known for India’s favourite scooter, the Chetak. It was named after the legendary horse of Maharaja Rana Pratap Singh. The Chetak was made out of the best quality materials and could have been seen in almost every home.
It was lovingly called as “Hamara Bajaj” by the people. The scooter was available at an affordable price and Bajaj dominated the scooter segment with more than 50% of the total market share. This has changed considerably, with the company owning only 15% of the total market. There are reports which suggest the cause of decline as their decision to exit the scooter market in 2009.
However, a decade later, there is hope for the company to gain back their presence and dominance. There are reports that Bajaj Auto is finally stepping back into the scooter segment and bringing back the Chetak with a whole new image. It would not be the old scooter but an entirely new one which will share the name with the legend.
This move is perhaps the company’s decision to cash in on the name and cult-like following that the old one had in its glory days. The imminent arrival of the scooter is set for next year and the placement of the scooter will be done in the premium scooter segment.
According to the reports, the Chetak will bear a price tag of around INR 70,000 and will butt heads with the top variants of the Honda Activa 125, the Piaggio Vespa, and the Aprilia SR150. The report also suggests that the company will introduce an electric version of the scooter in the year following its launch, and will christen it the Chetak Chic Electric.
The leaked images reveal that the scooter will have a unisex design and will have features like an under seat storage, an upright handlebar, wide foot pegs and all digital console with Bluetooth connectivity. USB Charging, CBS brakes, and oval headlamps will also make their way on the Chetak. There will be an extensive use of chrome on the scooter to give it a more premium touch.
Image Source: GaadiWaadi
