Bajaj pushes for quadricycle; Tata, Maruti oppose - Indian Express

Mihir Mishra : New Delhi, Fri May 17 2013, 05:07 hrs The daggers are out, as the government tries to build a consensus on putting in place a policy framework for enabling 'quadricycles', or micro cars based on the motorcycle platform, to ply on Indian roads. In a meeting convened by the road transport ministry here on Thursday, two groups were pitched against each other — Bajaj Auto and Mahindra & Mahindra in favour of the move and both Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki against it. Bajaj Auto, which is ready to roll out its Quadricycle RE60 and showcased it in the 2012 Auto Expo, wants a policy in place to launch it commercially. Bajaj has also got support from Mahindra & Mahindra. Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki are opposing any policy that allows quadricycles on the ground that launching the vehicle would mean compromising on safety. "The members against the quadricycle policy said that it will benefit a company that has already developed its product. So, there is a lack of level playing field," said a road transport ministry official present in the meeting. The official added that a decision can only come at the road secretary-level meeting, where both the arguments will be considered, likely to be held next week. The road transport ministry sees quadricycle as a replacement for three-wheelers. "A quadricycle will any day be a safer alternative for three-wheelers and we would like to provide people a safer alternative," said the official. "We will provide a separate colour for quadricycles that will not be allowed on highways. I also do not see a reason, why people of old age can not use it for his short distance needs," the official added. Opposition to quadricycle comes full circle NEW DELHI: As a concept, the quadricycle has actually come a full circle; just that the corners have changed. Way back in the 1998 Auto Expo held in New Delhi, Tata Engineering (now Tata Motors) showcased a four-wheeled microcar concept, christened the 'zing'. ... contd. ALSO READ Reliance Capital Q4 net profit declines by over 19 per cent Former Citi CEO Vikram Pandit to take stake in Nimesh Kampani's JM Financial IPL spot-fixing: Sreesanth, Chandila, Chavan sent to five days police custody Mahindra Satyam Q4 net profit down by 15%, declares 30% dividend Please read our terms of use before posting comments TERMS OF USE: The views, opinions and comments posted are your, and are not endorsed by this website. You shall be solely responsible for the comment posted here. The website reserves the right to delete, reject, or otherwise remove any views, opinions and comments posted or part thereof. You shall ensure that the comment is not inflammatory, abusive, derogatory, defamatory &/or obscene, or contain pornographic matter and/or does not constitute hate mail, or violate privacy of any person (s) or breach confidentiality or otherwise is illegal, immoral or contrary to public policy. Nor should it contain anything infringing copyright &/or intellectual property rights of any person(s). via Technology - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNExWH4D6TqwSEXEpjLvUvkxjAZGuQ&url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/bajaj-pushes-for-quadricycle--tata-maruti-oppose/1116920/

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