Pune, India: Rajiv Bajaj, the outspoken Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, is once again making headlines over the weekend after his latest TV interview sparked a wave of discussions on social media.
Known for his candid takes on everything from GST and tariffs to Make in India policies, the 58-year-old auto industry veteran shared his insights on Bajaj Auto’s export growth, rare earth sourcing, and KTM’s global strategy.
Key Highlights from Rajiv Bajaj’s Interview
1️⃣ Export Volumes Rising
Bajaj revealed that Bajaj Auto’s export volumes have picked up significantly in recent quarters, signaling strong international demand for its motorcycles.
2️⃣ Rare Earth Metals Procurement
He openly admitted that the company has had no difficulty sourcing rare earth metals from China, even as other players in India’s auto industry continue to face supply chain challenges.
3️⃣ Comments on KTM and Production Strategy
Bajaj Auto, which owns 75% stake in KTM, is reportedly investing ₹7,200 crore into the Austrian motorcycle brand. During the interview, Bajaj compared KTM’s situation with Triumph’s successful production shift to Thailand, hinting at possible strategic moves for KTM’s manufacturing in the future.
4️⃣ “Europe Manufacturing is Dead” Remark
One of the most talked-about moments from the interview was Bajaj’s comment that “manufacturing in Europe is dead.” While he may have meant it as a reference to the high costs and unviability of European production, many netizens speculated it could imply KTM’s Austrian plant might face a shutdown due to missing critical parts.
5️⃣ Implications for India
If production were to shift to India, it could be a major boost for the Indian automotive manufacturing ecosystem. However, Bajaj acknowledged that exporting to America and other global markets would require strategic planning to navigate tariffs.
Market & Industry Impact
Rajiv Bajaj also expressed confidence in India’s growth story and highlighted that Bajaj Auto’s global exports have strengthened over the past few years. The company remains a key heavyweight stock in Indian financial markets, and his comments could influence investor sentiment in the coming days.