Bajaj Auto Issues Statement Over TVS Advertisement Dispute
Sameer Contractor
1 min read
Jul 05, 2016, 09:47 PM
Key Highlights
- Bajaj says its ad mentions results recieved in real world driving cycle
- The Madras HC has ordered Bajaj to temporarily stop running the ad
- The High Court has given Bajaj 2 Weeks to file a detailed response
After TVS Motor Company took Bajaj Auto to court over its disparaging advertisement campaign for the CT100B against the XL 100, the Pune based bike maker has issued a press release clearing its stance in the entire issue of false representation of fuel economy figures. Responding the dispute, Bajaj said that the fuel efficiency figures mentioned in the advert are based on the Indian Driving Cycle (IDC) tests and were made after taking 'relevant customer feedback'.
TVS filed a civil suit in the Madras High Court last week over Bajaj Auto's advertisement campaign that compares the TVS XL100 with the CT100B. The Hosur based bike maker claimed that the advert showcased false economy figures and the complete sales promotion was intended to disparage their product. As a result, the Madras high court directed Bajaj to stop running the ad campaign for a period of two weeks, and has permitted the company to file a detailed response during the said period about the matter.
Explaining its position, Bajaj Auto mentions that customers at large associate better with fuel efficiency in the real world, instead of the results based on lab conditions. The company further states that under IDC test conditions, the Bajaj CT100B delivered a real-time fuel efficiency of 99 kmpl, whereas the TVS XL100 returned a fuel economy figure of 67 kmpl, as claimed by the company's website. After taking customer feedback, the Pulsar maker deployed the promotional campaign comparing both models, which clearly hasn't gone down well with TVS. Bajaj has defended its ad campaign stating it was merely a reflection of the customers experience as disclosed to the company and were neither discouraging or denigrating to the TVS moped.
Bajaj Auto introduced the CT100B last year and the entry-level motorcycle has gained quite the popularity in rural markets. The company mentioned in its statement that the bike maker garnered 35 per cent national market share in the entry-level motorcycle segment, while the bike managed to achieve 52 per cent market share in Tamil Nadu alone between the April to December 2015 period.
The law allows manufacturers to slightly exaggerate their advertisements in order to make the product more sale-able. However, companies should never denigrate competitor products. The court allows comparative advertisements to run as long as they do not have a negative overtone.
Incidentally, this isn't the first time TVS and Bajaj have had a scuffle. Previously, it was Bajaj Auto that took TVS to court back in 2008, stating that the latter had used the bike maker's DTS-i technology on its two-wheelers. The case however, was ruled into TVS' favour back in 2009.
TVS filed a civil suit in the Madras High Court last week over Bajaj Auto's advertisement campaign that compares the TVS XL100 with the CT100B. The Hosur based bike maker claimed that the advert showcased false economy figures and the complete sales promotion was intended to disparage their product. As a result, the Madras high court directed Bajaj to stop running the ad campaign for a period of two weeks, and has permitted the company to file a detailed response during the said period about the matter.
Explaining its position, Bajaj Auto mentions that customers at large associate better with fuel efficiency in the real world, instead of the results based on lab conditions. The company further states that under IDC test conditions, the Bajaj CT100B delivered a real-time fuel efficiency of 99 kmpl, whereas the TVS XL100 returned a fuel economy figure of 67 kmpl, as claimed by the company's website. After taking customer feedback, the Pulsar maker deployed the promotional campaign comparing both models, which clearly hasn't gone down well with TVS. Bajaj has defended its ad campaign stating it was merely a reflection of the customers experience as disclosed to the company and were neither discouraging or denigrating to the TVS moped.
Bajaj CT 100
The law allows manufacturers to slightly exaggerate their advertisements in order to make the product more sale-able. However, companies should never denigrate competitor products. The court allows comparative advertisements to run as long as they do not have a negative overtone.
Incidentally, this isn't the first time TVS and Bajaj have had a scuffle. Previously, it was Bajaj Auto that took TVS to court back in 2008, stating that the latter had used the bike maker's DTS-i technology on its two-wheelers. The case however, was ruled into TVS' favour back in 2009.
Related News
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
car&bike Team | May 1, 2026India’s First Barrier-Free Tolling System Inaugurated In GujaratThe system has been installed at the Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat to Bharuch section of NH-48.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | May 1, 2026Auto Sales April 2026: Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra, Kia Start New FY On Positive NoteHyundai reported its best-ever sales for April 2026, but still lagged behind Tata and Mahindra, who continued to hold second and third place.4 mins read
car&bike Team | Apr 30, 2026Bajaj Pulsar NS400z Price Slashed By Rs 14,000The updated 349 cc Puslar NS400z is now priced at Rs 1.80 lakh (ex-showroom).1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Apr 30, 2026Oben Rorr Evo Launched At Rs 1 LakhIntroductory prices are valid for the first 10,000 units, following which prices will be hiked by Rs 25,000.2 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Apr 30, 2026Ferrari Purosangue Handling Speciale Revealed With New Active SuspensionFerrari’s first four-door, four-seater gets a special handling package with active suspension to make it more dynamic to drive.1 min read
car&bike Team | Apr 30, 2026Royal Enfield Is Testing E85-Ready Classic 350 - Spy PhotosThe test bike was spied on public roads just days after the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways released a draft notification for E85 and E100 ethanol blending.1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | May 2, 2026Volkswagen Taigun Facelift Review: Still The Driver’s SUV, But Improved!The updated Volkswagen Taigun gets a new 8-speed automatic, a refreshed design, and added features. But does it still deliver the best driving experience in the C-SUV segment?5 mins read
Shams Raza Naqvi | Apr 29, 2026Toyota Innova Hycross Vs Mahindra XEV 9S: Choosing The Right Three Row Family MoverIn a battle of three-row cars the electric Mahindra XEV 9S takes on the Toyota Innova Hycross. Which one ticks more boxes?1 min read
Janak Sorap | Apr 26, 2026BMW F 450 GS First Ride Review: Almost A Proper GS With Big Bike DNANew 420cc twin, premium build, feature-loaded and Easy Ride Clutch — but does it deliver where it truly matters?8 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Apr 25, 20262026 MG Majestor Review: Bold, Feature-Packed And Off-Road ReadyWe spent time with the MG Majestor to see how much of an improvement it is over the Gloster, and whether it can take on the segment leader – Toyota Fortuner.9 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Apr 23, 2026Vega Bolt Bluetooth Smart Helmet Review: Smart, Simple, And FunctionalThe Vega Bolt Bluetooth Smart Helmet is a practical take on connected riding gear, aimed at commuters and riders who want integrated functionality without the hassle of add-ons.6 mins read