Launching a new product in India, especially an automobile, can be a cumbersome activity for any manufacturer. And if the automobile poses a threat to another vehicle or the current setup, there are bound to be protests and hindrances. A similar thing is being faced by Bajaj Auto’s RE60 in the Indian market as its introduction has been delayed one more time.
The quadricycle from Bajaj was being slated as a replacement for the auto-rickshaws and was showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi. It was set to be launched in the second half of 2014 but a host of PILs were filed against vehicle in High Courts of several states, leading to an indefinite delay in its launch.
Supreme Court, the apex judicial institution of India, made a move in February, 2015, to gather all cases filed against Bajaj RE60 in High Courts in order to facilitate a combined hearing. After a lot of discussion, it had been decided that the hearing would be held on April 22.
However, in an unfortunate development for Bajaj RE60, the hearing has deferred to July, thereby delaying proceedings further. Notably, Bajaj RE60 is yet to enter production stage and only after the hearing will the manufacturer be able to do so. The automaker, however, is determined to ensure that the Bajaj RE60 quadricycle sees the light of showrooms in Sri Lanka by the end of 2015.
