[Mpower]

Infact tuk-tuks charge more than the Corolla Altis Taxis and its more chosen now a days by tourists for its fun element

Yes! Tuk Tuks are a big tourist attraction... the govt recognizes it and the people are proud of it.

Secondly, Thais are crazy about loud exhausts. I travelled in a Corolla taxi and that also had a lovely free flow exhaust

In India, the autorickshaw has become a necessary evil but the fact is the bad rep is mostly due to the attitude and driving habits of the auto-drivers and not so much the humble little 3 wheeler itself

[naveenroy]

I really hope that the Japanese manufacturers don't start making 3-wheelers. I think we have enough of these unsafe contraptions running around already. Hehe, I can't imagine an auto with a powerful Honda engine - would be insane.

Btw, on an OT - anyone know what happened to some conglomeration of automobile manufacturers opposing the 3 wheeler in India?

[rajeev k]

Originally Posted by Mpower

Yet, even Bajaj themselves did not expect it to survive and ignored its development for several decades....despite the fact that the product has been a cash cow for them. Imagine a 40 year old design of a rudimentary machine with no doors, only 3-wheels and a single cylinder engine selling for 1.5 lakhs !!!

The Bajaj autorickshaws were exported to many countries to Peru, Rthiopia and El Salvador; see in this order. source wikipedia.

Saw this unidentified Japanese Three wheeler in Google search.

[anjan_c2007]

Originally Posted by rajeev k

The Bajaj autorickshaws were exported to many countries to Peru, Rthiopia and El Salvador; see in this order. source wikipedia.

I would also like to add Sri Lanka to the list of countries where the Bajaj three wheelers are exported.

[windiesel]

Originally Posted by jacs

Attachment 1150761
3 wheels is what causes the real advantage to drivers to zip through traffic and even take "U" turns on narrow one ways! I think TATA MAGIC is one solution. In Kerala, they charge same as Ricks. Much safer than the open 3 wheel bugs.

I guess, TATA Magic also has four wheels!

[jacs]

Originally Posted by windiesel

I guess, TATA Magic also has four wheels!

Yes. 100% and thats why its much safe than ricks. 4 wheel equalents of ricks is what India needs now.

[shiju.dba]

Why can't Bajaj think about performance Autos based on P220's engine. As per my knowledge Bajaj autos have 175 cc four stroke engines with around 11-12 BHP only. What are the safety features that can be introduced in autorickshaws as they are the most unsafe vehicles in this planet minus all bikes?

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by shiju.dba

Why can't Bajaj think about performance Autos based on P220's engine. As per my knowledge Bajaj autos have 175 cc four stroke engines with around 11-12 BHP only. What are the safety features that can be introduced in autorickshaws as they are the most unsafe vehicles in this planet minus all bikes?

These are limitations given as a part of CMVR. Bajaj can't increase the performance beyond a limit as it will void the regulation. Wait for sometime, the RE 60 is likely to come with same issues or advantages ( except an additional wheel) what ever can be called.

[anjan_c2007]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

These are limitations given as a part of CMVR. Bajaj can't increase the performance beyond a limit as it will void the regulation. Wait for sometime, the RE 60 is likely to come with same issues or advantages ( except an additional wheel) what ever can be called.

Originally Posted by shiju.dba

Why can't Bajaj think about performance Autos based on P220's engine. As per my knowledge Bajaj autos have 175 cc four stroke engines with around 11-12 BHP only. What are the safety features that can be introduced in autorickshaws as they are the most unsafe vehicles in this planet minus all bikes?

The present outdated and unsafe Bajaj 3 wheeler in this configuration costs around Rs 1.5 L.

The P 220 engine and a compatible transmission for the Bajaj R & D may mean another steep increase in the cost price. The buyers may not be able to afford the increased price, that may as well reach quite near the Maruti Omni ex showroom price(say some Rs 25 K less).

Roll-over cages on at least two or three locations (front, mid-section and rear) are very necessary as the first safety feature, as these topple on the slightest provocation. Again, that may mean adding to the kerb weight and then the increased costs. The 175 cc engine carries upto ten or more passengers illegally, but more metal on the body may mean a reduced power to weight ratio and also increased fuel consumption.

Its shameful that such an unsafe three wheeler, built with outdated technology and sporting a ramshackle body, costs Rs 1.5 L.

The best possible way out is to enforce NCAP crash test ratings of an acceptable level for three and four wheelers (also trucks,buses included). This will automatically send the three-wheeler production into history. But we will still have to endure with the ones already on the road, till they reach the scrapyards.

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by anjan_c2007

Its shameful that such an unsafe three wheeler, built with outdated technology and sporting a ramshackle body, costs Rs 1.5 L....

Dear, you can blame Bajaj only for the price and not for the product. This segment is very cost sensitive and nothing will be offered above what is specificied in regulation.
Leave away Japanese even if German's make 3 wheeler in India there will be nothing more.

[shiju.dba]

One more information that sounds unbelievable but delhi bhpians can reconfirm. For a new auto with license at new delhi costs more than four lakhs!!! Input received from more than four five resources.

[Mpower]

Originally Posted by Ashley2

These are limitations given as a part of CMVR. Bajaj can't increase the performance beyond a limit as it will void the regulation. Wait for sometime, the RE 60 is likely to come with same issues or advantages ( except an additional wheel) what ever can be called.

CMVR's main goal should be to pass regulations that will make vehicles cleaner & safer.

In the case of the 3w autos, they have failed because... 30 years and counting, these things are still deathtraps and also polluting (visibly)

In case you are not aware, there is a powerful political lobby group (auto drivers union) that opposes any kind of development in product or service in this industry

[Ashley2]

Originally Posted by Mpower

,...
In case you are not aware, there is a powerful political lobby group (auto drivers union) that opposes any kind of development in product or service in this industry

Can you also plz let me know, which union group is representing "auto driver's union" with nodal body to take their views. Because there are atleast 10 to 20 unions in each city and each one is associated with their own party. And why should they be lobbying for stopping technological development? They may be intrested to stop bringing alternate mode of transport like mini buses, share auto's etc. These things did happen in chennai but didn't take up.To my knowledge, Bajaj is currently lobbying for bringing in quadricycle as a main stream product, for which entire industry is aganist.

[Trapezio]

When TVS suggested quadricycle a few years before, ironically, Bajaj was dead against it! The real reason being Bajaj didn't have a response. Now the positions got interchanged.

Birds of a feather flock together!

[HammerHead]

Originally Posted by Mpower

Dont think that's a huge concern. Right now a sethji sitting in the back seat of his Honda Accord will look out of the window to see hordes of Honda branded 100cc motorcycles driven by the masses. In fact, his driver probably comes to work in a Hero Honda.

In India people still aspire to own a 2 wheeler. Never seen any one aspiring to own a 3 wheeler!! Its not the price or 'commonness', its the 'image'.