Home-grown bike maker, Bajaj Auto is planning to foray into the four-wheeler territory, as the company is expected to launch its small car in India. According to media reports, Bajaj Auto is optimistic that the company will be allowed to launch the Bajaj Qute quadricycle in India. The Qute is a four-wheeler, launched in various international markets, that has been embroiled in various PILs relating to road safety, which has restricted the company to launch the ‘small car’ in India. However, the Bajaj Qute is now believed to launch in India by year end. We can expect the Bajaj Qute to be launched in India at a price of around INR 1.2 lakh (ex-showroom).
Speaking to Money Control, Rajiv Bajaj, Chairman & Managing Director – Bajaj Auto, said, “Based on my interaction with the people in power (sic) I have reason to believe that within the next few months we may get permission to introduce this vehicle in this market,” added Bajaj. He reiterated that the Qute has received positive response from various international markets, where the quadricycle is on sale. He said, “The Qute has been welcomed across continents Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa,” said Bajaj.
The Bajaj Qute is powered by a 216.6 cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected, water-cooled, Digital Tri-Spark ignition, 4-valve engine petrol engine that produces 13 BHP of maximum power and 20 Nm of peak torque. This engine comes mated to a 5-speed sequential gearbox, while the quadricycle has a maximum speed of 70 kmph. The vehicle measures at 2752 mm in length, 1312 mm in width, 1652 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 1925 mm. The Qute gets a turning circle radius of 3.5 meters and passenger capacity of 4 people.
Speaking about the various litigations and India launch hurdles, Rajiv Bajaj said, “It is well known that the only country where the Qute is not permitted is our country (and it is) only because of competition. They have used all kinds of nefarious techniques to create problems through political circles and through courts. I will say this very candidly that they have stooped to levels that we thought they never will. (But) If it means we have to live without one country (then) we will live without one country.”