Quadricycle to be Tagged as Transport Vehicles; RE60 ready to launch

Bajaj Auto is ready to launch its quadricycle, codenamed as RE60 in the Indian auto industry, but the company is waiting for the clearance from the government to make regulations for this type of vehicle. And it seems like the government is all set to create a new category of vehicles called quadricycles in India. The quadricycles would be transport vehicles with a seating capacity of upto 8 people and a top speed of 70kmph.

Most of the European nations including France, Spain and Italy have allowed mini vehicles to run on their roads, however in India the quadricycles would run on city and village roads, and likely not to be allowed to ply on highways, at least on papers (Of course, we are Indians). Government sees quadricycles as an alternative to three-wheelers that rule the roads even in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Media reports suggest that the government may authorize special markings to ensure that quadricycles don't slip on to the highways.

The transport ministry will take a meeting with auto majors such as Bajaj Auto and Maruti Suzuki to decide on the new norms next week. Tata Motors is one of the four companies that have opposed the plan by saying it "retrograde". According to Tata Motors, the quadricycles would impact their business as the vehicles would be used for personal purpose.

However, India's largest car manufacturer has supported the proposal of allowing quadricycles, and further said that these vehicles should only be allowed for transport purpose, which can be used for public transport within a town or a city. Although there were concern that the pollution and safety norms may be diluted, the committee leaded by International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) director Dinesh Tyagi, looking at the feasibility for the quadricycles in India, has also asked that BS IV norms be mandated. The technical specification committee for Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) will decide on the approval of various norms and quadricycles next week. In Europe, only 0.3 per cent market share is occupied by the micro cars, and are used by the people when their vehicles go for repair.

Source : ET

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