Bajaj Auto reveals RE60 ‘4-wheeler’ ahead of Expo

On January 3, Bajaj Auto revealed its new four-wheeler, the in-house-developed RE60. The company claims the vehicle will set a global benchmark in CO2 emissions –60 gm/km – and deliver 35kpl. According to managing director Rajiv Bajaj, “In the RE60, we believe we have an excellent solution for the mobility challenges arising from the rapid urbanisation of India. We are presenting an optimised solution for intra-city passenger transport, keeping in mind intra-city duty cycles and safety requirements.”

The key technological and design innovations of the RE60 include:

• A light weight but robust monocoque metal-polymer hybrid structure

• All-new water-cooled, twin-spark, DTSi 4-valve 200cc engine with a closed loop fuel injection system for high performance and high fuel efficiency.

• Minimised frictional and transmission losses.

The RE60 has been four years in the making and is an extension of the company’s three-wheeler. Bajaj Auto, the world’s largest three-wheeler manufacturer, plans to sell over half-a-million three-wheelers during the current financial year. The RE60’s price is to be announced shortly. According to Bajaj, the target segment for the RE60 would be three-wheeler owners keen to upgrade to a four-wheeler.

The RE60 is slated for launch later this year but Sri Lanka could likely get the product ahead of its introduction in the Indian market.

Speaking at the unveiling, R C Maheshwari, president, Commercial Vehicles, Bajaj Auto, said: “The RE60 retains a small footprint – nearly the same as our autorickshaw, is highly manoeuverable and can keep pace with the moving traffic. At the same, its limited top speed (of 70kph) makes it intrinsically safer for pedestrians, cyclists and two-wheeler riders. Its other features include front and rear seatbelts, doors and hard-top. 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 2,500kg”.

RE60 FACTFILE

CO2 emissions: 60gms/km

Maximum economy 35kpl

Maximum speed 70kph

Turning circle radius 3.5 metres

Length 2752mm

Width 1312mm

Height 1650mm

Seating capacity 2+2 or 1+3