Auto Expo 2014: Awaiting clearance to roll out quadricycle RE60, says Bajaj Auto

Pune-based Bajaj Auto is ready to roll out its RE60 once it gets a go ahead from the government for the quadricycle.

At the Auto Expo 2014, Bajaj Auto President-Commercial Vehicles, RC Maheshwari, said: "Two years back, we had showcased the RE60... Today we are ready for commercial production of this vehicle. We are just awaiting government notification."

He said once the government notifies the quadricycle norm, creating a separate category, then it will take the company about 2-4 months for ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) certification.

"If all goes well, our expectation is that launching the RE60 should be possible by September-October this year," Maheshwari added.

He said the company has set up a production capacity of 200 units per day at the company's Aurangabad plant, from where it rolls out three-wheelers.

When asked how the vehicle would be priced, Maheshwari said it would be announced at the time of commercial launch but it would be costlier than a three-wheeler. "This will be available in fuel options of petrol and CNG."

He said Bajaj Auto has approached several state governments for approval to register the vehicle under a new category. Some states such as West Bengal and Delhi have shown keen interest on the vehicle, he added.

When asked if the RE60 would be exported, Maheshwari said it was possible but the company would first launch it in India. "We are getting a feel of the product in some overseas markets with some distributors... Countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Peru and Nigeria have potential for this vehicle," he said.

At the auto show, Bajaj Auto also showcased a concept U Car, powered by a liquid cooled engine with automatic transmission.