Pune based two-wheeler maker, Bajaj Auto is eyeing to replace the notorious auto rickshaws with the RE60 four-wheel passenger carrier which was first showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo held in New Delhi. Now we have the firstever spy pictures of Bajaj RE60 emerge, thanks to Anything-On-Wheels reader Guru for the snaps. This test-mule was spotted doing trial runs in the popular Chakan locality of Pune where Bajaj’s manufacturing facility is located.
Though the vehicle is heavily camouflaged it confirms that the Bajaj RE60 four-wheeler will make it into production anytime soon and sources also claim that a late Diwali launch is scheduled for the same. But Bajaj Auto did not give any official statement about the launch. This dominant player of the auto industry has been pretty secretive about the launch of RE60 four-wheeler, but this information has been confirmed by the vendors that supply parts to Bajaj Auto.
The RE60 is an attempt from Bajaj Auto which aims at the replacement of the omnipresent autorickshaw. The company constructs its three-wheelers at its Aurangabad’s plant and the Bajaj RE60 4-wheeler is also expected to be manufactured there only. With an approximate price of Rs. 1 lakh, the RE60 would emerge as an unmatchable product and would undercut the prices of autorickshaw by a huge margin.
According to the company, the RE60 cannot be considered as a car but it can be considered as a passenger vehicle that can perfectly accommodate four adults. The Bajaj Auto will be offering this neoteric product in two variants – one as an entry level and another with more comfortable features.
Initially the RE60 will derive power from a 200cc, liquid cooled, single cylinder petrol engine that delivers a good 20 bhp peak power. Besides the mouthwatering price tag, a spectacular 35-40 kmpl fuel-economy is also a major selling point for the new cat. This four-wheeler is also claimed to produce the minimum amount of emissions which stand at 60 grams of CO2 for every kilometer. The RE60 is claimed to be as easy on pocket to maintain as an Auto Rickshaw.
Bajaj Auto is also expected to launch a CNG version of the same as time progresses. Nissan, Bajaj and Renault started a project together known as Ultra Low Cost (ULC) car project and the RE60 has been developed under it. As per an earlier plan, Bajaj was supposed to develop the car and Renault and Nissan were supposed to sell it with their name tag. But the two stakeholders Nissan and Renault have not provided any confirmation on whether they would sell this product under their brand name or not. Meanwhile, Bajaj Auto is also expected to launch goods version of RE60 four-wheeler.
See more details of Bajaj RE60 –
- Light weight monocoque metal polymer hybrid structure
- Length: 2,752mm
- Width: 1,312mm
- Height: 1,650mm
- Seating Capacity: 2+2 or 1+3
- Turning circle: 3.5m
- Max speed: 70kph
Also see – Bajaj Auto India launches RE60 four-wheeler
2012 Auto Expo – Surprisingly no bikes at Bajaj Auto, RE60 unveiled
Source – Anything-On-Wheels
