HISTORY OF BAJAJ COMPANY HISTORY The Bajaj Group is amongst the top 10 business houses in India.

Its footprint stretches over a wide range of industries, spanning automobiles (twowheelers and three-wheelers), home appliances, lighting, iron and steel, insurance, travel and finance. The group's flagship company, Bajaj Auto, is ranked as the world's fourth largest two- and three- wheeler manufacturer and the Bajaj brand is wellknown across several countries in Latin America, Africa, Middle East, South and South East Asia. Founded in 1926, at the height of India's movement for independence from the British, the group has an illustrious history. The integrity, dedication, resourcefulness and determination to succeed which are characteristic of the group today, are often traced back to its birth during those days of relentless devotion to a common cause. Jamnalal Bajaj, founder of the group, was a close confidant and disciple of Mahatma Gandhi. In fact, Gandhiji had adopted him as his son. This close relationship and his deep involvement in the independence movement did not leave Jamnalal Bajaj with much time to spend on his newly launched business venture. His son, Kamalnayan Bajaj, then 27, took over the reins of business in 1942. He too was close to Gandhiji and it was only after Independence in 1947, that he was able to give his full attention to the business. Kamalnayan Bajaj not only consolidated the group, but also diversified into various manufacturing activities. MARKETING STRATEGIES The focus of Bajaj off late has been on providing the best of the class models at competitive prices. Most of the Bajaj models come loaded with the latest features within the price band acceptable by the market. BAL has been the pioneer in stretching competition into providing latest features in the price segment by updating the low price bikes with the latest features like diskbrakes, anti-skid technology and dual suspension, etc. Bajaj adopted different marketing strategies for different models, few of them are discussed below: CALIBER - The focus for the Caliber 115 was youth. And though Bajaj made the bike look bigger and feel more powerful than its predecessor (characteristics that will attract the average, 25-plus, executive segment bike buyer). Going by the initial market response, the campaign was clearly a hit in the 5-10 years age bracket. So, the teaser campaign and the emphasis on

the Caliber 115 being a `Hoodibabaa' bike placed it as a trendy motorcycle for the college-goers and the 25 plus executives both at the same time. HISTORY OF HERO HONDA Hero, is the brand name used by the Munjal brothers in the year 1956 with the flagship company Hero Cycles. The two-wheeler manufacturing business of bicycle components had originally started in the 1940s and turned into the worlds largest bicycle manufacturer today. Hero, is a name synonymous with two-wheelers in India today. The Munjals roll their own steel, make free wheel bicycle critical components and have diversified into different ventures like product design. The Hero Group philosophy is: To provide excellent transportation to the common man at easily affordable prices and to provide total satisfaction in all its spheres of activity. The Hero group vision is to build long lasting relationships with everyone (customers, workers, dealers and vendors). The Hero Group has a passion for setting higher standards and Engineering Satisfaction is the prime motivation, way of life and work culture of the Group. MARKETING STRATEGIES Hero Honda globally known of being the most fuel-efficient and the largest CBZ selling Indian motorcycle company. This is a relationship so harmonious that Hero Honda has managed to achieve indigenisation of over 95 percent, a Honda record worldwide. The company is committed to provide the customer with excellence. A rich background of producing high value products at reasonable prices led the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles to collaborate with the world's largest bicycle manufacturer CD DAWN : Honda CD Dawn is a beginner's bike well tested on Indian roads and proven in city conditions. Hero Honda CD Dawn is a no-nonsense bike that's all about price and utility. New bikes have showroom prices of around Rs. 32,000 and on-road prices of around Rs. 37,000. SPLENDOR NXG : The Hero Honda Splendor NXG is a new age bike in Hero Honda's 100 cc stable. Stunning looks, economic performance, and a multitude of features backed by Hero Honda's reliable support network, makes this a good choice for the city commuter. The Hero Honda Splendor NXG is now available at a showroom price of around Rs. 42,000. Hero Honda Splendor Plus is one of the largest selling bikes in India. CONCLUSION

1. Hero Honda is considered to be most fuel-efficient bike on Indian roads,& have better quality, higher resale as compared to Bajaj Bikes. 2. Bajaj Service & Spare parts are available throughout India in local markets also,& Bajaj bikes have comparatively low maintenance cost in contrast to hero Honda bikes. 3. While buying a motorcycle, economy is the main consideration in form of maintenance cost, fuel efficiency. 4. Majority of the respondent had bought their motorcycle more than 3 years. 5. Market leader Hero Honda has lost more than 3 per cent of its market share in the motorcycle segment to its nearest rival Bajaj Auto. 6. Bikes such as Bajaj Pulsar, Hero Honda Hunk,Karizma are purchased by young generation 18 to 30 because they prefer stylish looks and rest of the models of Hero Honda are purchased more by daily users who needs more average of bikes than looks.