Bajaj Auto unveils 4 wheeler - RE60
03 Jan 2012
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.
| More about RE60 | |
| Low emissions | CO2 :: 60gms/km |
| Highest Mileage | 35 kmpl |
| Maximum Speed | 70 kmph |
| Turning circle radius | 3.5 meters |
| Overall length | 2752 mm |
| Overall width | 1312 mm |
| Overall height | 1650 mm |
| Seating capacity | 2+2 or 1+3 |
The key technological and design innovations of the RE 60 that have resulted in the amazing emission and mileage figures are:
- A light weight yet robust monocoque metal-polymer hybrid structure
- Water cooled DTSi 4 valve engine with a closed loop fuel injection system for high performance and 35 kmpl fuel efficiency
- Minimising frictional and transmission losses
- Front and rear seat belts, doors and hard top are its other features
Bajaj, which has earlier broke off from a joint project with Nissan Motor Co and Renault SA for developing what was originally planned to be an ultra low-cost minicar, is also reported to be back on alliance talks following the launch of the RE60.
The RE60 makes no comparison of Tata Motors' small car `Nano' and claims to be Bajaj's own type of low-cost transportation solution.
It is powered by a smaller 200 cc petrol engine, with a displacement of a maximum 800cc and uses the rear-engine technology.
The car, which is so far the most fuel-efficient vehicle to be manufactured in India, may have a top speed of 90 Kmph.
Bajaj, however, said it would target three-wheeler users, possibly as a replacement for autos. Bajaj is planning to involve Nissan and Renault as it starts commercial production of the vehicle.
A new Renault-Nissan Bajaj alliance will roll out the ultra low-cost minicar and the two foreign auto firms are expected to decide on co-operation on the RE60 in the next few days.
Bajaj is India's second-largest two-wheeled vehicle maker, and is the world leader in the three-wheeler segment.