Rajiv Bajaj declared 'Man of the Year' by Autocar Professional as well as Bike India Both Autocar Professional as well as Bike India, two auto-industry magazines, have declared Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto as the 'Man of the Year'. A Mechanical Engineering BE from Pune University and Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from the University of Warwick, Rajiv Bajaj joined Bajaj Auto in 1990. He has spearheaded the transition of Bajaj Auto from a predominantly scooter manufacturer to a complete two-wheeler giant with a leadership in the entry segment and the premium bike segment. Rahul Bajaj, Chairman, Bajaj Auto states, "Rajiv has proved himself in the most difficult phase of the company when the entire market was moving from scooters to motorcycles. He has done an outstanding job of managing this transition and the company has emerged out of this phase stronger, leaner and fitter. I have no doubt that as the Managing Director he would lead the company to even greater heights." Rajiv Bajaj has invested in and nurtured one of the strongest Product Development teams in the automobile industry. This has resulted in the creation of highly successful products such as the Bajaj Pulsar, the Discover, and a range of environment friendly 4-stroke 3-wheelers using alternative fuels as well as Class leading technologies such as DTS-i, ExhausTEC etc. On the shop floor, Rajiv has been responsible for the transition of Bajaj Auto as one of the most efficient and lowest cost producer of two-wheelers in the world. He has led a young dynamic team in introducing the 'Streamlined Manufacturing Systems' and subsequently initiated TPM in the company. The Akurdi plant has received the JIPM TPM Excellence award this year. One of the key challenges for Rajiv Bajaj is to reclaim the "Numero Uno" position of Bajaj Auto. At the Auto-Expo 2006, Rajiv Bajaj showcased the new range from Bajaj Auto comprising Pulsar DTF-Si, Sonic DTSi (light sport motorcycle), Kristal DTSi (ungeared scooter for college girls) and Blade DTSi (ungeared scooter for young male). With this onslaught this young man seems all set to conquer new heights.