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Bajaj Auto, a prominent player in India's two-wheeler market, has notably been absent from the scooter segment in recent times. While the company has the Chetak brand under its electric division, the conventional scooter category has been missing from its portfolio. The recent trademarking of the name "Bajaj Vector" has sparked speculation about a potential new scooter being developed by Bajaj.
Bajaj Vector Name Trademarked
Bajaj's last internal combustion engine (ICE) scooter was the Kristal, which failed to make a significant impact in the highly competitive Indian scooter market dominated by Honda and TVS. As of 2023, scooters remain immensely popular due to their unisex appeal and the practicality offered by a step-through design. Monthly scooter sales in India consistently exceed 5 lakh units.
Bajaj's diverse trademark repository has now welcomed the addition of "Bajaj Vector." This name, whether associated with an ICE or electric scooter, seems well-suited for a new entrant in the scooter segment. There is a slight possibility that this newly trademarked name might find its way into Bajaj's potential Sunny revival project, as test mules of the Bajaj Sunny electric scooter have been recently spotted.
Premium Electric Scooters and Partner Brands
In the Indian market, Bajaj seems inclined toward the production of premium electric scooters, and the "Bajaj Vector" trademark could signify a premium scooter based on the Chetak's platform and bajaj might also leverage this new trademark for its partner brands.
Could it be Husqvarna's Upcoming Electric Scooter?
Considering partner brands, Husqvarna, owned by KTM, emerges as a strong possibility. Husqvarna had previously showcased the Vektorr electric scooter concept, featuring a radical design with neo-retro elements. This electric scooter is based on Bajaj's Chetak and has been spotted undergoing testing on Indian roads over the past three years.
While there is a slight discrepancy in the names ("Vektorr" with a 'K' and two 'R's, and "Vector" with a 'C' and one 'R'), there's a probability that "Vector" could be the production-spec name for the Vektorr concept. Bajaj, being the manufacturer of this product for Husqvarna, has filed for the name trademark, indicating a potential association with the upcoming electric scooter.
Husqvarna Vector might primarily target export markets, given the brand's limited presence in India compared to KTM. There's also a remote possibility that the "Vector" name could be used under the KTM brand in India, as test mules of KTM scooters have been sighted.
Future Prospects and Global Launch
Bajaj's securing of the "Bajaj Vector" wordmark raises the question of potential future trademark applications for just the word "Vector," suggesting its use with partner brand vehicles. When launched, the Bajaj Vector could share its battery and motor with the Bajaj Chetak. While primarily aimed at global markets, the Husqvarna Vector might also see a launch in India.
Conclusion
The "Bajaj Vector" trademark filing sparks anticipation about a potential scooter launch, and its association with partner brands like Husqvarna or even KTM cannot be ruled out. Whether it's an ICE scooter revival or a premium electric scooter, Bajaj's strategic move will likely align with market demands and trends offering consumers an exciting new option in the scooter segment. The upcoming vehicle, when launched is expected to share technology with the successful Bajaj Chetak further emphasizing the brand's commitment to innovation and diversification.