Freedom 125 Surges Past 5,000 Sales: Bajaj Boosts Production

Two months after Bajaj introduced the world's first CNG-powered motorcycle on July 5, the freedom 125 has sold over 5,000 units. According to Vahan data as of September 5 total sales approx 5,018 units. This includes 276 units sold in the last two weeks of July 4, 109 units in August, and 637 units in the first four days of September. 

Sales of the Freedom 125 were initially modest, with only three-digit figures in the first few weeks because the bike was only available in Maharashtra and Gujarat, which have good CNG-filling infrastructure. However, sales picked up significantly after August 15 when the company expanded availability to 77 towns and cities across India, including Delhi and Kerala. This expansion now includes Tier 2 and Tier3 towns where CNG infrastructure is slowly developing.

Deliveries of the Freedom 125 began on July 18 in Maharashtra and Gujarat, with a customer in Pune receiving the first bike. By then, Bajaj Auto had already received over 30,000 inquiries from across the country for affordable motorcycles.

The company is relying on the rapid growth of the CNG-filling infrastructure, which currently has about 7,000 stations and is expected to more than double to over 13,000 in the next few years. According to Rakesh Sharma, executive director of Bajaj Auto, CNG is available in 335 of the top 500 towns in India, which represent 70% of the potential market.

Due to growing interest in the Freedom 125, Bajaj plans to boost production from 10,000 units in the first few months to around 30,000-40,000 units by the end of FY2025, or possibly as early as January 2025.

Bajaj Auto says the Freedom 125 can cut operating cost by up to 50% compared to similar petrol motorcycles, costing just Rs.1 per kilometre. The CNG tank offers a range of over 200 kilometres on 2 kg of CNG, and the 2-litre petrol tank provides an additional 130 km of the CNG in the city and 62.37km per litre on the highway. 

The Freedom 125 also emits 26.7% less CO2, 85% fewer non-methane hydrocarbons, and 43% less nitrogen oxide compared to petrol bikes. It has passed 11 safety tests, including impact and truck-run-over tests.

Bajaj plans to capitalise on the Freedom 125 popularity during festive season, with major holidays like Onam, Dussehra and Diwali approaching.

With the innovative features and affordable cost, the Bajaj Freedom 125 has significant potential in India. In July 2024, the 100-125cc motorcycle segment accounted for 74% of the 8,50,489 bikes sold to dealers.

Bajaj Auto is increasing Freedom 125 production to meet high demand, targeting 30,000-40,000 units by early 2025. The bike offers significant cost savings, extended range, and lower emissions. It is expected to perform well during upcoming festive sales in India.