Need clarity on quadricycles: Slym

A week ago govt gave nod for creation of the new segment considered to be an upgraded three-wheeler

Tata Motors today said it would consider entering the quadricycle segment if the government provided clarity on the matter.

Earlier, the company had opposed the idea of introducing quadricycles in India. A week ago, the government gave its nod to the new segment.

It has also hinted some of its current products could meet the criteria expected to be set for quadricycles. However, the products would need significant modifications. Managing Director Karl Slym said, “We don’t know what the new legislation is. Therefore, it is important for us to wait and see...We already have vehicles that play in the same area, that provide the same kind of customer needs…these meet the current safety and emission norms. Let’s see what happens.”

For now, quadricycles have been cleared only for commercial transport. The government is yet to approve a proposal to sell the compact four-wheeler as personal vehicles. These vehicles would largely cater to urban areas; these wouldn’t be allowed to ply on highways.

Slym, who had opposed introducing quadricycles on Indian roads when Bajaj Auto had pushed the idea, today called for fair opportunities for all players in the segment.

“Our main request is if we do create the new segment…then all manufacturers within the industry should get the same opportunity to prepare to enter the segment; we should not select just one particular vehicle,” he said.

Bajaj Auto is the only company ready with its own quadricycle, code named RE60.

Government sources say regulations governing quadricycles in the European region would likely be adopted for the new segment. However, these would be tweaked to suit Indian conditions.

“My suggestion is we look at mobility solutions required for India for the next 10 years and, therefore, work out a map of how the industry and the government can map out India’s mobility solutions, from the infrastructure point of view, rather than select one icon and base assumptions on that,” Slym said on the sidelines of the announcement of the company’s results for the quarter ended March.

The Tata Motors vehicle that could meet the regulations for quadricycles is the 623-cc-engine powered Nano and the multi-seater Magic Iris, a commercial four-wheeler, based on the Ace platform.