Bajaj Auto set to launch indigenous car in 2 years

The car would be positioned as an aspirational product for those who already have a premium bike such as the Bajaj Pulsar

When Bajaj Auto unwrapped the extremely bold and stylish U Car at the company’s stall at the Auto Expo on Wednesday, it left everyone surprised, as the company had maintained it was “anti-car”.

Sources said the U Car might be commercially launched in two years. The indigenously designed and developed vehicle is a low-slung, two-seater product, with scissor doors, a feature popularly seen on a Lamborghini or a Ferrari.

The car would be “expensive” and positioned as an aspirational product for someone who already owned a premium bike such as the Bajaj Pulsar, said Joseph Abraham, technology head of Bajaj Auto and the brains behind the U Car. Though smaller than the Tata Nano, the Bajaj U Car will not be priced at similar levels; it will be positioned between a motorbike and a traditional car.

Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj said “a lot of effort” had gone into making the car. Homologation of the car will be carried out later.

Company executives said the model on display would go under production as it was. The display model had disc brakes on all the four wheels, as well as automatic transmission and two scissor doors, and was front-wheel driven. The company declined to specify the engine details, but said the car would have a gasoline-powered, liquid-cooled engine, with fuel injection. The model will also have air-conditioning facility.

Earlier, the company had unveiled the RE60, a four-wheeler aimed at commercial applications such as intra-city transport, an upgrade from a three-wheeler. Bajaj Auto said it was hopeful of securing the government’s go-ahead for the vehicle’s commercial launch. Once launched, the RE60 will create a new segment that will essentially replace commercial passenger three-wheelers. The company also showcased two new premium motorcycles — Pulsar SS400 and the Pulsar CS400. While the SS400, powered by a 375-cc engine, will be launched later this year, the CS400 will be launched next year. The CS 400 is touring bike, with long handle bars.

Both the bikes are powered by engines developed by the company. The bikes will have a four-valve, six-speed gearbox, with triple spark ignition, fuel injection and anti-lock braking systems.