Bajaj is making its presence felt as a serious player in Brazil after inaugurating the company’s first overseas manufacturing plant in Manaus. This move bolsters the Indian two-wheeler’s standing not only in Latin and South America but also on a global scale, with Bajaj vehicles now present in 100 countries. With this latest manufacturing facility, Bajaj is the fourth Indian two-wheeler company to set up shop in Brazil after Hero MotoCorp, TVS Motor and Royal Enfield.
Bajaj Auto to roll out made-in-Brazil Dominar
Bajaj Auto currently sells three motorcycles in the Brazilian market. The company has rebadged the Pulsar NS 200 and NS 160 as Dominar 200 and Dominar 160 respectively along with the OG Dominar 400. By localising the production of parts and components, the Dominar series will become significantly more affordable than its current pricing. To provide a price reference, the Dominar 200 is priced at approximately Rs 2.6 lakh, while the flagship Dominar 400 is priced at about Rs 3.7 lakh, all prices being ex-showroom.
The new Bajaj Auto plant could allow KTM to flex its muscles in the Brazilian market, but the same can’t be said for Triumph Motorcycles as they already have a manufacturing facility in Manaus. Triumph has three plants globally — Hinckley, England, Chonburi in Thailand, and one in Manaus.
Bajaj Auto facility in Brazil
The new Manaus plant has an area of 9,600 square meters and features engine assembly, vehicle assembly, and testing facilities. The plant has a production capacity of 20,000 units per year, operating on a single shift. Work for the Plant began in June 2023 and it became production-ready in a record time within a year. The initial phase was focused on the sourcing, assembly, and testing of Dominar models, with plans to expand to additional product lines. This could be the latest models from Bajaj Auto that could make its way to Brazil like the Pulsar NS400Z.
Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto Ltd., said, “With the establishment of our own plant in Brazil we have achieved a quantum shift in our local capability to fulfil demand. Our Dominar brand has received an outstanding reception since its launch 18 months ago.”
Sharma further added, “The new manufacturing capabilities will enable us to build a wider distribution network, introduce new products and meet the growing expectations of our customers. This plant also signals our commitment to Brazil, to building an ecosystem of partnerships and integrating further into the automotive industry. We are excited to be part of Brazil’s growth story and look forward to a prosperous future here.”
