Bajaj Auto being one of the best two and three wheeler manufacturing company in the Indian market had showcased its RE 60 at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo initially after which the production version was displayed at the 2014 Auto Expo. Bajaj’s RE 60 neither being classified as a car nor an auto rickshaw has been spotted multiple times all over India with and without camouflages.
The RE60 gets plastic curtains instead of traditional windows.
Bajaj Auto had planned to launch its RE 60 by October-2014 but due to Public interest litigations (PILs) filed in high courts of Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat due to which the launch has been kept on hold, the launch is delayed indefinitely. However, the sources close to us indicated that these PILs have been backed up by rivals, to not benefit the first mover’s advantage, and a complete monopoly.
Speaking more on the occasion, Rajiv Bajaj, managing director of Bajaj Auto said –
“Though we are free to export, we would like to wait a bit, launch them first in India, and then look at markets outside India. If I decide to export to a particular country tomorrow and am asked over there—you are trying to export the vehicle here, but why you are not selling in your home country—it will not be easy to answer that question.”
The gear lever is mounted on the dashboard and on either sides it carries lockable glove boxes.
As of now, Bajaj Auto awaits for the Union Law Ministry to step in, and quash all the PILs. It is said that unless the PILs reach out a solution, they cannot launch the RE60. The report indicates that leading manufacturers like TVS Motors, Polaris-Eicher, Tata Motors, TVS, Mahindra, Piaggio, Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors have raised questions over the safety feature of the RE60.
The RE 60 would be the first car built by Bajaj. Bajaj’s RE 60 being categorized as a quadricycle under Central Motor Vehicle Rules by the government is expected to be a possible replacement for Auto rickshaws in the Indian market.
The flat rear bench seats do not carry head rests, but offers seat belt as safety feature.
The Bajaj RE60 was spotted on-test by BharathAutos reader Mohammed Afraz in Mangalore. Seen here is two test-mules, as seen the RE60 gets a central speedometer cluster, shifter mounted on dashboard, two lockable glove boxes, hardtop roof, windscreen wiper, hazard lights, plastic curtains instead of traditional windows, front & rear seat belts, flat rear bench and side view mirrors (both sides).
Coming to the technical specifications, Bajaj’s RE 60 is powered with 216cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with triple-spark ignition technology mated to a 5 speed manual transmission producing a maximum power of 20 BHP. Bajaj’s RE 60 is expected to give a fuel efficiency of 35 kmpl and would be launched in early 2015 at a price tag of approximately INR 1.95 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).
What do you think about Bajaj’s RE 60 being spotted testing multiple times even after delaying its probable launch in October-2014? Do write to us in your views.
To read more on Bajaj RE60, Click here
Also see – Bajaj RE60 spotted testing with Dummy Passengers
See more spy pictures of Bajaj RE60 –
