Two and three-wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto has announced the launch of its own low-cost car, the RE60, a high fuel-efficiency for-wheeler that could give as much as 40 km per litre of petrol, according to the company.
The RE60, which seems to be a crossover from Bajaj's three-wheelers, has been designed and developed fully in-house and the cars will be manufactured at the company's Aurangabad plant.
Rajiv Bajaj, managing director, Bajaj Auto, says, "We decided to focus our efforts on developing vehicles powered by engines using available natural resources and infrastructure. In the RE 60 we have an immediate solution to pollution that doesn't need new infrastructure, huge subsidies or time".
The four-seater vehicle, with an elevated roof resembles an over-sized hatchback. But RE60 promises low carbon emissions and fuel efficiency unheard of in the country as yet.
According to R C Maheshwari, president, commercial vehicles, Bajaj Auto Ltd, the vehicle retains a small footprint – nearly the same as the Bajaj autorickshaw He said the limited top speed of the RE 60 makes it intrinsically safer for pedestrians, cyclists and two wheeler riders.
"Not only are the CO2 emissions remarkably low, its CO, HC and NOx emissions also are much lower than the Euro IV norms for cars less than 2,500 kgs." Maheshwari says.
