Bajaj auto opens first international manufacturing plant in Brazil

Bajaj Auto, India’s largest exporter of two and three-wheelers, has inaugurated its first manufacturing plant outside India in Manaus, Brazil. This new facility, located in Bairro Tarumã, spans 9,600 square meters and can produce 20,000 units annually on a single shift, with potential expansion up to 50,000 units per year. Initially, the plant will focus on manufacturing Dominar models, followed by Pulsar models.

Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Bajaj Auto, highlighted that the new plant marks a significant enhancement in the company’s local capabilities to meet demand. He noted that the Dominar brand has been well-received in Brazil since its launch 18 months ago. The facility will also produce motorcycles for KTM AG, in which Bajaj holds a 48% stake. Additionally, Bajaj has a global alliance with UK-based Triumph for co-developing middle-weight motorcycles, with Triumph already having a manufacturing presence in Brazil.

The strategic location of the Manaus plant offers fiscal benefits and proximity to supply chains and major transportation hubs. The Latin American two-wheeler market, which reached 10.6 million units in 2022, is projected to grow to 23.7 million units by 2028, with a CAGR of 14.2% from 2023 to 2028, according to IMARC Group. This expansion aligns with Bajaj’s aim to build a wider distribution network and introduce new products to meet growing customer expectations.