Last Saturday morning was weary — I was tired sorting through all the shopping and gifts we have been buying for our relatives (Yes, an upcoming trip to India!). Soon, I was commanded to get some food from Chaat Cafe — a local restaurant which serves Indian food at drive-thru speed.
Driving down the rain soaked roads of Fremont; I waited for a final left turn into a shopping plaza. On another left lane there was something, which looked familiar — a scooter. The body contours (read, the body structure) made me feel that it was a desi scooter.
The signal turned green, I followed the scooter in order to confirm my belief. After a few risky driving maneuvers I could read “Chetak”. It indeed was Bajaj Chetak, one of the flag-ship 2-wheelers by an Indian automotive giant Bajaj. The name Chetak comes from folklore in Indian mythology. Chetak was a legendary horse, powerful and fiercely loyal to his master Maharana Pratap.
Back home — after bouts of Naan, Tandoori Wrap, and other indulges — I started researching into what I just saw.
Bajaj is the world’s number one two-wheeler manufacturer. Exports of Bajaj scooters have been growing with an expected 15% contribution in sales for the coming year. Interestingly, Wall Street Journal ran a feature article (cache) couple of months ago on Bajaj’s success in the world market and how the scooter manufacturer is poised to take on it’s rivals on price, features and fuel efficiency. No wonder Bajaj USA has a great fan following.
Here’s the promo being run by Bajaj to woo it’s American customers.
Hamara Bajaj!