Bajaj office in Jabel Ali

Bajaj, later addressing the press, said Bajaj Auto, which is one of the largest two-wheeler manufacturers in the world, has embarked on an aggressive campaign to popularise its products in international markets. As a first step, Bajaj Auto has established its first-ever overseas divisional office in the Jebel Ali Free Zone in January 2003.

Bajaj said they chose Dubai as a location for this office after a rigorous selection process in which they considered several alternatives. "The clear-cut advantages Dubai in general and the Jebel Ali Free Zone in particular offered in terms of a vibrant business environment and a highly efficient infrastructural support system led them to our choice."

Bajaj also announced the global launch of a specially designed motorcycle for the courier and delivery segment. The Bajaj Eliminator, which has been crafted keeping in mind the specific requirements of motorcycle riders who have to travel long distances at fairly high speeds will retail at 9,000 dirhams.

Dubai Auto Gallery managing director Monish Lakhani said: "As the exclusive Bajaj Auto distributors for the UAE, we will make available the entire range of Bajaj products at highly competitive prices and will provide outstanding after-sales service support to Bajaj customers."

Bajaj Auto is one of the world's largest manufacturer and exporter of scooters, motorcycles and three-wheelers. In the financial year 2002-03 its annual production exceeded 1.45 million units, of which over 94,000 units were exported to various countries in Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe.

In 2002-03, Bajaj Auto recorded sales of $1.025 billion and after-tax profits of $113 million. The company now employs over 11,000 people in its four state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in India.