[coolabhi]

In a move that could impact the entire auto universe, the government has given approval for recognizing a new segment in the automobile space which could see a new wave of innovation among OEMs. The proposed new segment could be called the 'quadricycle' - positioned between a three-wheeler and a passenger car.

From an industry perspective it is still to firm up a common view on this proposed vehicle. The whole idea behind this is that the government feels that there is a seemingly large gap between what we know today as a traditional three wheeler and a passenger car.

So Renault Twizy may find its way to India.(Pic taken from Moneycontrol.com's facebook page)


Heres the detailed report :-
Govt approves new category of vehicle 'quadricycle' - CNBC-TV18

[libranof1987]

I don't get it.

What changes in the auto industry as a result of this and how? And how does it help anything?

[swiftnfurious]

Unless this new segment / category has some tax relaxations / subsidies, I don't know how this will help Innovation. I don't think even the Reva NXR with actual pricing will find many takers.

[Red Liner]

Can this be used to register and ride quad bikes legally on the road now?

[silverado]

Will Bajaj RE60 be classified as one?

If i understand the term QUADRI-cycle correctly, it should be a 4 wheeled alternative to regular bike.

It is a good segment to have in India wherein we could possibly see Quadricyles been made from existing bike parts bin.

Bike manufacturers might come up with a 100/125/150cc Quadricycle.

But i hope they set a limitation on the lower side for the size of wheels.
I mean Quadricycles should not have wheels lesser than 14" in size.
This will help in making them safer and better suited to our conditions.

IMO Quadricycles should have a RTO approved seating capacity of only 2 people.

[arjab]

The biggest beneficiary of this legislation will be Bajaj with their RE-60 which can now be launched "legally".
Expect to see hordes of RE-60's soon swamping the streets of our cities and towns - The Auto is Dead, Long Live The "New" Auto.

[coolabhi]

Originally Posted by libranof1987

I don't get it.

What changes in the auto industry as a result of this and how? And how does it help anything?

Originally Posted by drpullockaran

This new rule is probably to help the introduction of a derivative of Tata Pixel.

Well quadricycle basically means a vehicle with 4 wheels.
As mentioned by swiftnfurious the government will probably provide tax benefits in the form of low excise duty or VAT benefit.Just like currently hatchbacks that meet the criteria of length and engine cubic capacity attract lower excise duty (because government wants to promote hatchbacks owing to better fuel efficiency of these cars) ,these quadricycles will have a similar benefit (Just my expectation, not sure).

The report mentions the following :-
"It feels that there is a need for a smaller vehicle, which will run on four wheels and high on mileage. However, at the same time there will be low carbon emissions compared to a passenger vehicle. That’s why there is a segment like this that already exists in Europe, which is called the quadricycle."

Having vehicles with higher fuel efficiency will help the government to lower the carbon footprint and earn under emissions trading scheme.

Currently Bajaj RE60 seems to be fitting in this segment and it is waiting for basic safety requirement.Although non of us like the looks.

What does it mean for us?
Well consider a city like mumbai,there are so many who travel alone in self driven cars. Although it costs a lot ,is not very convenient because of traffic jams but still preferred because of the comfort. What happens if we get a 400cc ,2 seater vehicle with good fuel efficiency and very comfortable to drive? Basically a Refined and more safe nano with a lower engine capacity.If government supports with tax benefits,these will be affordable as well and this will surely lead to innovations

[speedmiester]

This is indeed a very good move by the Govt.
One of the major beneficiary of this rule could be Mahindra Reva. Reva is already classified as a "Quadricycle" in the UK and EU.
Hope this translates in tax holiday for electric cars and make them more affordable.

[srishiva]

Does it mean that two motorcycles can now be connected together?

OEMs will certainly innovate provided they are much cheaper to the end consumer.

[da_lowrider]

So assuming that the classification parameters (I am it this stage assuming them to be based on size, engine capacity, emission norms etc.) are met, would the Nano subsequently be classified as a Quadricycle?

[sgiitk]

I am wondering whether this is a precursor to outlawing or phasing out the three wheelers.

[sahakar]

Its just helping Mr Bajaj to launch his RE60. Crony capitalism zindabad.

Cheers

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by sahakar

Its just helping Mr Bajaj to launch his RE60. Crony capitalism zindabad.

Cheers

I could not understand your point. You are saying that defining a category which will make an inherently unstable 3 wheeled contraption(which is legal), by a better 4 wheeled contraption, crony capitalism?

The Auto rick has 3 wheels, because putting 4 wheels to this vehicle will currently make it a car, which has to confirm to many other norms, so the price goes up.

As a result you make a very dangerous vehicle, something not fit to be driven above 40kmph.

With this rule, atleast this vehicle will become safer

[lawdgawd]

Definitely this opens up some new possibilities. It has been brought in to help RE60, yes. But now that the new class is there, others would seriously explore options here.

Cars like those from manufacturer - AIXAM - Leader in quadricycles in France and in Europe - could fill a niche. And cheaper than the Nano.

[RICK004]

Great News!! This sounds a step ahead in the direction of exciting JV of Eicher & Polaris . IMHO this will not directly negate Three-wheelers and if anything they will be a safer option to commute.