Daijiworld Media Network – (NR)
 
Mangalore Dec 9: With the view to consolidating its position in the three-wheeler segment, Bajaj Auto on Saturday, Dec 8 launched its new auto-rickshaw based on the gasoline direct injection (GDi) technology developed by its R&D team with a price tag starting from Rs. 92,500 (ex-showroom Pune) to Rs. 1 lac. There will be two models - one with basic features and another with additional features like electric start, twin head lamp or a dashboard.

According to R C Maheshwari, head, (Commercial Vehicles), Bajaj Auto this new alternative based on conventional gasoline will not only reduce carbon emission but will also offer more power and greater fuel economy, he declared.

The new vehicle would be launched in a phased manner throughout the country. Rajiv Bajaj, managing director, Bajaj Auto informed that the new autorickshaws would be available across the country in about a year's time, adding that it will be introduced initially in Pune, Trivandrum and Mangalore.
 
The company claimed the RE GDi would deliver 33% better fuel-efficiency than the conventional RE autorickshaw. The vehicles will be manufactured at the company's Waluj plant near Aurangabad, Maharashtra, and the estimated production will be 300 per day. Till date the company has launched about 150 vehicles with the new engine, and is planning to start selling them from January.