Bajaj aims to build low-cost quality small cars

Mumbai, May 22 (UNI) Bajaj Auto, India's second largest two-wheeler maker, today said it would focus more on quality and low price for its venture in small car segment.

Bajaj will make a high-quality small car with low-cost, high on fuel-efficiency and low on emissions, Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj told newsmen here.

The company, which will have an initial annual capacity of 400,000 units for the local and other emerging markets, would make a less polluting car than in the European Union, he said.

The proposed car, ULC, would have fuel-efficiency of at least 30 km per litre of petrol, and carbon dioxide emissions of about 100 grams per km, he said, adding, ''So in terms of being green, fuel-efficient and priced right, it will be quite unique.'' Mr Bajaj further said it will be a niche product, ''as we do not want to be a part of the mainstream market or being in the rat race.'' Asked about its foray into commercial vehicles, he said the company has planned to make light trucks in the sub-1 tonne to 3.5 tonnes.

Bajaj Auto, a unit of Bajaj Holdings&Investment Ltd, also makes scooters and leads the Indian market for three-wheeled motorised rickshaws. It has said it would focus more on bringing up the sales of its two-wheelers especially its 125 cc ranges.

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