Bajaj names quadricycle Qute; to export to 16 countries

New Delhi: Bajaj Auto plans to start exporting its much-delayed quadricycle, christened as Qute, across various global markets by month-end even as it awaits Supreme Court verdict to introduce it in the domestic market.

The four-wheeler mini passenger vehicle, which was earlier known as RE60, would be launched as Bajaj 'Qute' in 16 markets in Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia at price of around USD 2000.

"With Qute we are now raising the bar and ushering in a new solution of transportation that is cleaner, safer and more comfortable," Bajaj Auto President, International Business, Rakesh Sharma told reporters here.

The company's partners across Asia Africa, Latin America and Europe are excited about the growth opportunities that the vehicle offers, he added.

Production of the vehicle has already started at the company's Aurangabad facility and the shipments for the export markets would begin at September end.

The vehicle is powered by new water cooled, DTSi 4 valve engine which gives out a fuel efficiency of 36 km per litre. It can reach a top speed of up to 70 km per hour.

Bajaj Auto claimed Qute, which would be used as an intra-city vehicle, is the first Indian made quadricycle to meet the stringent European norms.

In India, the company still awaits the Supreme Court verdict over creation of a new vehicle category of quadricycles by the government.

Bajaj Auto had showcased the RE60 in 2012 as a mini four-wheeler powered by a 200-cc rear-mounted petrol engine for intra-city urban transport targeting three wheeler customers.

Although it was ready for launch, RE60 was mired in legal tangles which the company claimed was "created by vested interests" by filing multiple petitions in various high courts, questioning the government process in creation of this new category.

The central government has moved the Supreme Court to get the multiple cases consolidated in the apex court.

Bajaj Auto, which had earlier attempted to develop an ultra low cost (ULC) in partnership with Renault-Nissan alliance, decided against it due to differences between the partners on pricing and design, and instead chose to focus on the quadricycle.