Bajaj Auto buys 14.5% in KTM for Rs 300cr

Earlier posts:-
Bajaj chasing Ducati, Triumph
Bajaj likely to acquire Triumph


Bajaj Auto has bought 14.5% stake in European sports manufacturer KTM for Rs 300 crore, reports CNBC-TV18.

Bajaj and KTM will jointly produce 125 cc and 250 cc bikes. Bajaj says this equity investment will not impact its ongoing relationship with Kawasaki. This arrangement will see bajaj auto and KTM working together to 3 -4 models in the 125-250 cc categories. 20,000 units of the bikes co-developed by bajaj and KTM will initially be exported to Europe and will be rolled out in the first half of 2010

KTM stake was bought through Bajaj Auto's Netherlands subsidiary. KTM is Power Sports leading manufacturer of power sports vehicles and has strong brand presence in Europe and United States. It offers more than 23 motorcycles, ranging in engine size from 50cc to 950 cc and is the largest non-Japanese off road motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

Source Money control

Todays Hindustan Times also says that around May 2008 Bajaj would launch 450cc + Bikes from KTM.
So lets wait and watch. cheers

You may also find the following intresting:-
1) 2008 Honda CBR1000
2) Super Bikes Comming soon
3) Yamaha R1 and MT01 in India
4) 2008 Kawasaki Ninja250R
5) Yamaha YZF-R125 VS Honda CBR125 VS Kymco KR Sport
6) Harley Davidson
7) Bajaj acquires stake in KTM

Hyundai's Big plans, Lpg Santro, i30

After the launch of Hyundai i10, Hyundai is in the process of developing a 'public car' which will be reasonably priced. The car could be expected to be priced below Rs three lakh, Mr. Lheem told reporters here last night after the launch of the i10 car. "But, it is still in the concept stage. From concept stage to translating into a real car, it will take four years. The car will be for both the Indian and export markets," he said, adding that it would meet all international safety and emission norms.
The company had no plans to phase out the Santro. Hyundai will be launching LPG version of its Santro car and they expect to sell 3.20 lakh cars by the end of calendar year 2007. The company had already launched CNG (compressed natural gas) version of Santro this year in the country. The company would increase its dealership network to 250 from 196 at present this year.

Hyundai and its vendors are investing Rs 11,000 crore to push Hyundai's models. Most of this will go to boost i10 sales. It hopes to corner a 20% market share in the first year. The i10 follows Hyundai's i30, a hatchback model for Europe. It is also developing the i20, under the project name, PB, for Europe. Hyundai used the 2007 Geneva Motor Show to reveal the new hatchback called the i30 and a new naming scheme with model lines bearing the "i" prefix. Hyundai says "i" stands for inspiration, intelligence and integrity. Eventually, Hyundai's entire lineup will include: i10, i20, i30, i40, and i50.

After phasing out its mid-premium Sedan Elantra in India, Hyundai wants to replace it with either the i30 or a new Elantra by 2009. Meanwhile, Hyundai is set to launch its SUV Santa Fe early next year. That means even more models on the road.
Pictures of Hyundai i30

Hyundai will offer a variety of diesel and gasoline engines with the i30, ranging from 90 to 140 horsepower. A choice of either an automatic transmission to a five-speed all-synchro gearbox will be offered.

The i30 features dual front, side, and curtain airbags, active headrests, seatbelt pretensioning and seatbelt reminders. The hatchback measures 4,245 mm long, 1,765 mm wide and 1,480 mm high. A wheelbase of 2,650 mm offers significant interior space for a vehicle of this size. Total luggage space is 340 liters with the rear seats upright.

Features:-
* 15” alloy wheels
* Air conditioning
* Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
* Front active headrests
* Front and rear electric windows
* Front fog lights
* Glove compartment with cooling function
* Heated electric door mirrors
* iPod/USB and Aux input connections
* Remote central locking with deadlocks and alarm
* Six airbags
* Steering wheel mounted audio controls

Sources:- The ET, moneycontrol.com, www.leftlanenews.com

Related:-
1) New cars expected on Indian Roads.
2) Honda Jazz
3) Hyndai Pa
4) Volkswagen Passat now in India
5) Skoda India launches new Laura Ambiente
6) Hyundai i30
7) i10 gets excellent reviews
8) Suzuki splash to replace wagon R