Indian automobile manufacturer, Bajaj Auto, according to reports, is all set to launch the RE60 quadricycle by the end of 2014. When RE60 was revealed in 2012, the auto manufacturers said that it was a quadricycle or a four-wheeler but not a car. The RE60 has been in the headlines for quite some time. Initially, it was supposed to be manufactured by Bajaj and marketing of the same was to be done by Renault-Nissan alliance. However, due to some issues, the French-Japanese association withdrew its support due to lack of confidence on the model. That was the time when the two-wheeler giant decided to proceed on its own.
Revealed at Auto Expo 2012, the quadricycle of Bajaj appeared more of a safer version of the common Indian auto rickshaw. It has also been assumed that the two-wheeler manufacturer is expected to sell 1+3 seating variant to meet the market requirements besides the 2+2 seating version. The fuel efficiency given by RE60 under ideal conditions is expected to be around 35 kmpl with a top speed of nearly 70 kmph as engine produces nearly 20 bhp of power.
On the issue of quadricyle, the automobile industry was divided into two segments – one, which supported the production of a separate model other than cars and two-wheelers, while another, which was strictly against its introduction in the Indian market. However, with the government giving the green signal for its production, there should not be any further issues in the path of its launching. This quadricycle is expected to be quite similar to the one shown at the Auto Expo in 2012, barring slight changes in its rear. Also, the glass windows showcased in the model will be replaced by a fabricated cover. In addition, the metal hatch door will make way for a plastic one. This vehicle will have a central speedometer cluster, 44-litre boot space, folding front windows and dashboard mountain shifter. Except for the sporty alloy-wheels, the rest of the features are speculated to be pretty standard. The price of Bajaj RE60 is likely to start around Rs. 1 lakh while the non-commercial private model would cost around Rs. 1.5 lakh.
The main difference of this quadricycle from other cars is mainly on the basis of total weight and top speed limits. However, there are restrictions on the personal usage of RE60. It has been granted permission for the transportation of cargo and ferrying of passengers only. Bajaj has confirmed that RE60 is ready for production and awaiting government sanctions. Once the permissions are granted, the models will begin to get rolled out from the Aurangabad facility of Bajaj Auto. There are also some plans to export RE60 abroad to tap some of the international markets.
