Pointers from the Bajaj RE60 press conference - Mr Rajiv Bajaj, CEO or Bajaj Auto talks about his new project. He repeats that Bajaj is an "anti car company" and the RE60 is seen as replacement to the 3-wheeler and not a car. This is a low cost solution, a commercial application for moving people.
What is the RE60?
A last mile transportation solution for people.
Dealership network - This will go through RE dealerships (commercial vehicle network). I hope this will motivate dealers to spruce up dealership.
Despite the success with the motorcycles, Bajaj has taken its eyes of the 3-wheeler business of which it is the largest auto market - half a million 3-wheeler sales this year.
Four year journey ends today with the launch of this four-wheeler.
This is a 4-wheeled vehicle - Pride and aspiration associated with a 4-wheeler present on this product.
100% new petrol engine - fuel injected, water cooled, 4 valves, twin spark technology - 60g/km of CO2 emissions - typically half what current small car emits. The engine is mounted at the rear.
We want to sell it as a mass volume price.
I'm happy to share that this vehicle returned 40kmpl in testing and on the road, users should experience 35kmpl at least.
Host of vehicle features - normally not associated with this segment - is present on the RE60 - We're bringing features from segments above.
350 crore rupees saved because of space and tooling sharing at the Aurangabad factory. The same plant produces three-wheelers and production of RE60 will begin in the next few months.
A market like Sri Lanka uses the Bajaj Autorickshaw as a form of personal transport. Hence this vehicle may be out on the export market before it reaches local dealerships.
There are 5 million Bajaj three-wheelers on the market, and the RE60 is built to serve as a replacement with better features, safety and many more credentials.
Bajaj RE60 - Fast facts
- Light weight monocoque metal polymer hybrid structure
- Closed-loop fuel injection system
- Powered by a 200cc water cooled, 4 valve, DTSI technology will make around 20hp - Can ply in Europe as a quadircycle
- Petrol, CNG and LPG are the only fuel options - Diesel engine not under consideration as this is a light weight vehicle
- 44 liter rear boot storage, 7 liter under the hood and 400 liters when the seats are folded down
- Max speed 70kph
- Turning circle radius - 3.5m
- Length - 2,752mm
- Width - 1,312mm
- Height - 1,650mm
- Seating Capacity - 2+2 or 1+3
- Kerb weight 400kg
