Top 5 Things to Know about Bajaj Chetak Scooter

Posted on: Apr 1, 2022 | | Written by:

Top 5 Things to Know about Bajaj Chetak Scooter

Bajaj Chetak was the most iconic scooter that was launched in the year 1972 by India’s oldest and the largest two-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto. Within a few years of its launch, Bajaj Chetak became the most loved brand of scooters across India specifically among middle-class budget buyers. Bajaj Chetak was based on the Piaggio Vespa Sprint Scooter. However, as the market trend changed, demand for the scooters declined and the popular brand came to halt in 2005. Looking at the rich legacy of the manufacturer and the popularity that Bajaj Chetak had made it take rebirth as a Bajaj e-scooter almost after a decade in 2019. Let’s take a walk down memory lane to recall the inception and journey of Bajaj Chetak as the most popular scooter in India, a decline and a rebirth of the legacy.

• The inception of the brand Bajaj Chetak:

Chairman of Bajaj Auto Limited, Rahul Bajaj had introduced Bajaj Chetak to the Indian market in the year 1972 during his leadership tenure from 1965 to 2005. The model was inspired by the Italian Vespa Sprint. It not only gave Bajaj Auto Limited a nationwide success but also propelled the company to international success. The name Bajaj Chetak was named after King Maharana Pratap’s horse that he rode in the 16th Century during the Battle of Haldighati.

Bajaj Chetak became an instant hit among the middle-class population in India and ruled the two-wheeler market for 33 long years. The catchline of the brand ‘Hamarad Bajaj’ depicted its popularity so well. It became so popular and the demands were so high that the price almost doubled in the Indian market.

As it was launched at the time of license raj/Permit raj in India (1947 to 1990), production was restricted. Under the restrictive policies, manufacturers were not allowed to increase the production activity of their own free will. Bajaj Chetak with its extraordinary features, convenience, and budget-friendly price became so much popular that the people had to wait for years to take home their dream Bajaj Chetak!

• Journey of Bajaj Chetak:

During the period of 70s and 90s, Bajaj Auto Limited was the largest two-wheeler manufacturing company in India, specifically the scooter manufacturer of India with approximately 600 dealers across the nation. The design of Bajaj Chetak was so appealing that meeting the demands of the scooter became challenging for Bajaj Auto, which was advertised as the ‘world’s largest scooter manufacturer’ during that time. Bajaj Chetak as a scooter brand had an unforgettable journey.

• Popularity and waiting period of Bajaj Chetak:

Bajaj Chetak was the largest selling scooter in India. The popularity of this brand with time-tested records is that the waiting period for the Bajaj Chetak at one point had touched 10 years. Even the second-hand or the used Bajaj Chetak scooters were hard to get.

A clear status symbol of the Indian middle-class families, Bajaj Chetak’s legacy is truly enduring. It is still a favourite of many vintage scooter lovers. It was indeed a family scooter that gave enough comfortable space for even pillion riders. It had the best two-wheeler engine at that time and undoubtedly the scooter with the highest standard quality.

• The unfortunate decline of Bajaj Chetak:

With the economic reforms in 1991 and India’s integration with the global economy, many automobile players entered the market. Bajaj Chetak took the hit of negative impact from globalization.

With many Japanese players entering the market with newer models and changes in buyer behaviour, the popularity of Bajaj Chetak started declining. During the 90s, 75% of the two-wheeler sales in the Indian two-wheeler market were contributed by Bajaj Chetak.

Changing its business strategy, Bajaj Auto also came up with a Pulsar bike that matched the rising demands of the bike. It is only because of the acceptance of new models and technology, the production of Bajaj Chetak had to take a halt.

• Rebirth of Bajaj Chetak and way forward:

Bajaj Chetak is re-launched as an electric scooter which has brought back the memory of the old motorcycle era. As people are becoming environmentally friendly, many are choosing to commute using an electric motorcycle to the office. You can Bajaj Chetak e-scooter now without having to wait for years long. You can also financially protect your scooter by availing yourself of Bajaj two wheeler insurance.

Conclusion

With the reincarnation of the popular brand Bajaj Chetak, there is no doubt that the time-tested brand continues its legacy. As the future focus lies on the green age, electric scooters are going to play a key role in the Indian auto industry. When you buy your Bajaj Chetak electric scooter, ensure to secure it with Bajaj two wheeler insurance.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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