* Breakthrough technology promises lowest emission with highest fuel efficiency
* Innovation expected to spur replacement demand
Pune 8th December 2007: Bajaj Auto has announced another break through engine technology with the launch of the highly fuel efficient and low emission RE GDi Autorickshaw. This vehicle incorporates the latest in Gasoline technology – the Gasoline Direct injection engine, to achieve substantially lower emissions than even the alternate "clean" fuel CNG vehicles. Designed and developed by Bajaj Auto's R&D, the technology ensures not only a cleaner environment but also delivers low operating cost to the autoricksha owner. Bajaj Auto presented the innovative new GDi technology at their Corporate Headquarters in Pune today.
The benefits of this new technology are:
Emissions
The direct injection of fuel as a fine mist controlled precisely with an Electronic Control unit (ECU) avoids escape of unburnt fuel into the exhaust and drastically reduces emissions. The emissions per km on the RE GDi Autorickshaw is 25% lower Autorickshaw for HC+NOX (Hydrocarbons and nitrous oxides) and 50% lower for CO (Carbon Monoxide) than the RE Autoricksha with virtually no visible smoke. Even more important the emissions are also comparable or lower than the alternate "clean" fuel engines using LPG/CNG.
Economy
The RE GDi delivers a substantial 33% better fuel-efficieny than the conventional RE Autoricksha. This is a boon to operators in the days of rising fuel prices. The new engine also has an electric oil pump, which is again precisely controlled by the ECU, to deliver savings on oil consumption as well. The pilot group of customers to whom vehicles have been sold are reporting additional income of Rs.80-100/- per day.
Other Advantages
Other user friendly features available on the RE GDi are:
* Electric starter to reduce driver fatigue
* Twin headlamp for improved visibility
* A new dashboard for car like feeling
*Swing arm with anti dive link front suspension
The Engine has been tuned for strong low-end torque to deliver 15% more torque and 25% more power for improved drivability in congested city traffic.
Mr.R.C.Maheshwari the CEO for the commercial vehicle business said "Alternate fuels like LPG and CNG, while being environmentally friendly, present logistical and distribution challenges that would take time to overcome. We have developed an excellent alternative that runs on conventional gasoline and at the same time generates lower emissions. With this technology being available now, any concern of local governments, state bodies and NGO's on gasoline autorickshaw emissions should no longer be there. We would like to suggest to the authorities to accept GDi vehicles in the category of environmentally friendly vehicles."
"Our R&D has developed some of the most efficient engines in the world over with pioneering technology breakthroughs. We have kept very aggressive targets for our Commercial vehicle businesses and the common values that will drive the business will be those of Innovation and offering the highest value for our customers. We will be leaders in both businesses through Product and Process innovations," continued Mr. R.C. Maheshwari.
Bajaj Auto currently has the widest range of 2 stroke gasoline, 2 stroke LPG, 2 stroke CNG, 4 stroke gasoline, 4 stroke LPG, 4 stroke CNG and Diesel 3-wheelers in its stable that sell about 25,000 vehicles per month of which almost half is exported.
The GDI vehicle will be launched in a phased manner throughout the country and the focus would be on educating customer groups on the enormous benefits that the vehicle offers to their earnings. After Pune, Bajaj Auto plans on launching the vehicle in Trivandrum and Mangalore.
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