Kawasaki recently released a statement regarding the split of Bajaj and Kawasaki sales network. They further clarified that Bajaj Auto won’t help them with the service and spare part availability from 31 March 2017 onwards. They have shown a lot of concern about the customers and even clarified that no difference in service would be faced by the Kawasaki owners before and after the date of split between the companies. Here is the official statement regarding the recent change in strategy.
Kawasaki-Bajaj Split: Official Press Release Issued
Official Press Release Issued by Kawasaki India
Dear Kawasaki Customers,
With effect from April 1, 2017, Kawasaki motorcycles shall be sold, and the after-sales service shall be provided, by the own dealer network of India Kawasaki Motors Pvt. Ltd. (“IKM”) in India.
Kawasaki had an alliance with Bajaj Auto Ltd. (“Bajaj”) in relation to the sales and after-sales service of Kawasaki motorcycles through Bajaj’s dealer network (Probiking) for 8 years since 2009. However, an amicable decision has been reached that the successful alliance with Bajaj in India will cease from April 1, 2017, and the sales and after-sales service activities for Kawasaki motorcycles will be started through IKM’s own dealer network in India in order to enable IKM to strengthen and promote the Kawasaki brand experience to customers through enhanced marketing activities in conjunction with Kawasaki Global marketing.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Bajaj will continue to maintain their cooperative relationship across the rest of the world for current and future businesses. Please be assured that those who have purchased a Kawasaki motorcycle before April 1, 2017 shall also be provided with the same level of after-sales service as shall be provided to those customers who purchase Kawasaki motorcycles after April 1, 2017.
On the other hand, the Ninja link on the Bajaj Auto website redirects the user to an official statement of split from their side. They have confirmed that their prime focus will be KTM brand in India. The 300+ Probiking dealerships will be named KTM dealerships now and won’t sell anything related to the Green theme brand.
Complete List of New Kawasaki Dealers in India
Official Press Release Issued by Bajaj Autos
Bajaj Auto has had an alliance with Kawasaki for the sale and after sales service of Kawasaki motorcycles through its Probiking network since 2009.
We have progressively converted our Probiking network to be KTM dealerships. The Bajaj – KTM partnership, launched its first co-developed product, the 200 Duke in 2012. Over the last 5 years, KTM achieved a CAGR of 48 % and sales volume in FY17 is estimated at 37000 units. Now the Duke & RC models are being offered in 5 SKU’s through the 300+ KTM dealerships in India. Going forward, Bajaj intends to focus on the KTM brand.
Kawasaki and Bajaj have mutually arrived at an amicable decision to end their alliance in India from April 1, 2017.
Consequently, with effect from that date, Kawasaki motorcycles will be sold and after sales service, including that for past customers, will be provided by “India Kawasaki Motors Pvt Ltd” (a 100% subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Japan), established in India in July 2010, through its own dealer network. Bajaj and Kawasaki will continue to maintain their co-operative relationship across the rest of the world for current and future businesses.
