Bajaj Auto launches ultra-low-cost car RE 60

Bajaj Auto Ltd launched its first-ever four-wheeled vehicle, saying the RE60 would target commercial users and three-wheeled vehicle owners in India, and that production could involve Nissan and Renault.

The unveiling of the four-seater RE60 ended months of rumours that have buzzed around India's auto industry on the nature of the vehicle, which promises low carbon emissions and fuel efficiency, the company said in a much-anticipated launch.

The vehicle resembles an over-sized hatchback with an elevated roof.

France's Renault SA and Japan's Nissan Motor Co, who worked with Bajaj on developing what was slated to be an ultra low-cost minicar, will decide on co-operation on the RE60 in the next few days, Bajaj Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said.

"At no point we intended to be contract manufacturers for Renault-Nissan... With small or big modification, we can supply to Renault-Nissan if they wish," Bajaj said.

"They have not seen the product... If Renault-Nissan were to walk away, that is also fine with us."

Bajaj is India's second-largest two-wheeled vehicle maker, and is the world's leader in the three-wheeled vehicle segment, which includes the popular rickshaw taxis used across Asia's third-largest economy.