Template:Infobox automobile
The Bajaj Qute, earlier called Bajaj RE60, is a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive, four-passenger quadricycle[1][2] built by the Indian company Bajaj Auto and is aimed primarily at the Indian domestic market. The car was the first four-wheeler manufactured by Bajaj Auto, which was unveiled on 3 January 2012.[3] In India, the Qute is not legally classified as a car.
On 22 May 2013, The Central Government legally classified it as a quadricycle.[1] It is unable to reach speeds of 90 km/h and is therefore only allowed to be used for commercial purposes to replace auto rickshaws.[4]
History
In 2010, Bajaj Auto announced the cooperation with Renault and Nissan Motor to develop of a US$2,500 car, aiming at a fuel-efficiency of Template:Convert (3.3 L/100 km), or twice an average small car, and carbon dioxide emissions of 100 g/km.[5][6][7]
Bajaj Auto first unveiled the Bajaj Qute as the RE60 on 3 January 2012, at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi.[8] Bajaj Auto was best known for scooters and three-wheel auto-rickshaws, and is India's second-largest two-wheeled vehicle maker and is a world leader in three-wheeled vehicles. The Qute is Bajaj's first foray into the four-wheel market. At its unveiling, the company announced that the car had high fuel efficiency of Template:Convert and low carbon dioxide emissions.[9]
With a fare meter included in the base model's dashboard, the firm is targeting auto-rickshaw drivers by offering a four wheeler as economical to run as a three-wheeler, but safer and more comfortable.[10]
Technical specifications
The Qute is powered by a 217-cc single cylinder engine with a capability to generate power output of Template:Cvt. The four wheeler has a metal-polymer monocoque body due to which it weighs 400 kg. Turning radius of the first four wheeler of Bajaj is 3.5m. Top speed is limited to 70 km/h. [11]
Plan
Bajaj Auto plans to roll out 5,000 units/month of its much-delayed four-seater "quadricycle" Qute from its Aurangabad Plant[12] and it is to be priced between Rs 1.25 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh.[1] The MoRTH has decided to allow operation of quadricycles as passenger vehicles, besides commercial use. They have allowed 16-year-olds to drive only quadricycles.[13]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Quadricycle Diaries, Sinha, Suveen K.. The India Today Group(2013-09-29).
- ↑ RE 60: Bajaj Auto unveils first four-wheeler; plans to target over 5 mn 3-wheelers. The Economic Times(4 January 2012).
- ↑ Bajaj RE60: Target audience of rickshaw drivers offer their review. NDTV(4 January 2012).
- ↑ Indian government releases draft notification on Quadricycles; Advantage Bajaj RE 60 - Indian Cars Bikes. Indiancarsbikes.in.
- ↑ How green is my low-cost car? India revs up debate. ENN(2008-06-19).
- ↑ Bajaj small car may cost Rs 1.1 lakh - News - Zigwheels. Timesofindia.zigwheels.com.
- ↑ RE60 developed in 4 years. The Times of India(4 January 2012).
- ↑ 2012 Auto Expo - Bajaj RE60 unveiled. Moneycontrol.com.
- ↑ RE60: Bajaj Auto unveils Tata Nano rival, Devi, Kanchana(3 January 2012).
- ↑ A Foothold Market -- In Rickshaws.
- ↑ Upcoming Bajaj RE60 Car in India, Expected Launch Dates, Price. cartrade.com(2015-10-12). Retrieved 12 October 2015.
- ↑ Bajaj Auto plans to roll out 5,000 units of RE-60. economictimes.com. Retrieved 2013-04-14.
- ↑ Quadricycles can now be used as passenger vehicles. car&bike.com.