When Bajaj unveiled the RE60 on the 3rd of January, it gathered a lot of interest among the critics and the customers alike. It gained both positive and negative feedback from them and it is obvious looking at the exterior of the car and the way the model has been pitched. According to the company officials, it’s not a car but just a 4 wheeler. However, keeping such things aside, we take a look at the journey of the invention of the RE60. Mr. A Joseph, the Chief Technology Officer of Bajaj Auto who is the head of the Bajaj R&D team says that the design and development of the RE60 was a massive challenge for the Bajaj folks. Earlier, the company had collaboration with the Renault-Nissan alliance to develop an Ultra Low Cost (ULC) car. However, that alliance didn’t work too well. Mr. Joseph states that after the failed alliance, the engineers had to totally redefine the concept and its specifications.
Bajaj’s engineers kept very clear objectives in mind like fuel efficiency and cost. For this, they used steel to build the car instead of aluminium (which saves weight but makes the car expensive). They also kept the kerb weight to below 400 kgs for a fuel efficiency of approx 35 kmpl. The entire product development was indigenous which made things more challenging. One of the major difficulties was packaging the engine and gearbox in the compact dimensions which took some time of extensive research. The total development timeline for the RE60 stood at 2.5 years. With the RE60, Bajaj Auto has got a 4 wheeler in its stable and will be aggressively marketing it. The company is confident that the market will receive it well. On the other hand, it seems that Renault-Nissan still have plans to revive the ULC project. Nissan executive vice-president Andy Palmer said the company is open to tie-ups with Bajaj. As for Nissan, the company is exploring the option of producing a car priced below the entry-level Micra, which costs about Rs 4 lakh.
Bajaj had showcased the RE60 at the 2012 Auto Expo, with audio mentioning the advantages of the vehicle. The hall said that millions of people die every year due to pollution and the RE60 will prevent occupants from pollution. Is Bajaj forgetting it makes 2-wheelers? Also if pollution harms you, you should get inside the RE60, but wait there is no AC. When questioned about lack of AC, Bajaj says open the window and voila we are back to square one.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
RE= Rickshaw Enhanced!
it is an auto rickshaw nothing more then that. who wish to buy this ?
This is going to be a super flop from Bajaj.
The RE is the series for autos and that exactly where bajaj seems to want to place the RE60 as an auto replacement. At least it’s high time we move away from the 3 wheeled tuck tucks to something more like this.
Its not going to launch in INDIA bcoz BAJAJ knows that Indians people mindset has halted they don’t want any development. its an replacement for Auto rickshaw to reduce accidents & pollutions.
Bajaj will export this 4 WH where people wants development in public transport not in INDIA.
If my understand is correct…. Bajaj talks about Pollution as they claim that this RE emits less CO than other vehicles thus helping the environment by reducing the overall CO level.
I dont think it has anything to do with Two Wheelers and AC.
Madhav, well you could be right but if your windows are open you too will inhale outside air, which comes from other vehicles too and you have to have window open as there is no AC!
This is a perfect replacement for a two wheeler, to go in more comfort and safety, for a family with kids.
By the way, as I have observed, the founder of this site is having passion not only for cars and bikes, but also for photography. I have viewed much better photographs of the coverage in this site than many other automobile sites. Truly! Keep it up!
Thanks Yila for the kind words. Really appreciate it ;-)