Bajaj Auto defends the RE60, says the Nano offers nothing but a lower price

29/04/2013 - 10:49 | ,   | Surendhar M

Bajaj Auto is set to pioneer a new segment called the quadricycle in India with its RE60 but not everyone seems to be welcoming it.

Bajaj RE60 front three quarters leftBajaj RE60 front three quarters right

Tata Motors Managing Director Karl Slym had recently criticized the government's move to form a new policy for quadricycle segment deeming it as a step backwards in terms of safety and pollution concerns. As per UK based TRL, the Quadricycle fatalities are 14 times higher when compared to a car.

Meanwhile, Bajaj Auto has responded to Slym's comments claiming that its RE60 has been developed to adhere to European quadricyle regulations. Bajaj claim that the RE60 is an improved version of three-wheeler and could be a safer alternative to an auto rickshaw.

In its response, Bajaj also takes a potshot at the Nano, saying "the cheaper car, Nano, offers nothing but a lower price; the sales data appear to tell us quite clearly how deep that strategy runs with customers".

Amidst the cynicism shown by TVS and Tata, Bajaj Auto sees no reason why the quadricycle norms shouldn't be implemented in India. Interests have come in from countries like Singapore, some African and Latin American nations to import the RE60 already. Companies such as Eicher, Mahindra and Piaggio have also evinced interest in the creation of this new class of four wheelers.

One thing is for certain - not everyone in the auto industry is upbeat about the formation of this new segment.

[Source - business-standard.com]

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