Bajaj Auto aims to export 10k units of Qute in FY17; quadricycle scores 1 star in Euro NCAP crash test

Even as Bajaj Auto continues to wait for the Supreme Court's permission to sell the quadricycle, Qute, in India, the company hopes to export 10,000 units of the model in the current financial year. Bajaj Auto has exported 334 units of the Qute in 2015-16, and is planning to export over 500 units in April alone, reports Press Trust of India (PTI).

Bajaj currently exports the Qute to 16 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. Bajaj quadricycle Qute was unveiled in India in September 2015. However, Bajaj could not sell in India as the company is waiting for the Supreme Court's permission to sell quadricycle models in the country. 

Quadricycles are four-wheeled micro-cars defined by limitations in terms of weight, power and speed. In India, it was widely considered a replacement of autorickshaws. However, it is not legal in the country and has been challenged in different courts with multiple petitions over safety concerns.

The Qute received a one-star rating in safety standards test by Euro NCAP. The Qute received a score of 4 out of 16 for frontal crash and 6 out of 16 for side crash. The test was conducted on models like the Aixam Crossover GTR, Bajaj Qute, Chatenet CH30 and Microcar M.GO Family.

"It is disappointing to see that quadricycles are still lacking basic safety features that are common in small cars. By not challenging the manufacturers to do more, legislators continue to give a false impression to consumers that these vehicles are fit for purpose," said the Euro NCAP Secretary General, Michiel van Ratingen, in a statement.

Powered by an all-new water-cooled 217 cc single-cylinder engine coupled with 5-speed manual gearbox, Bajaj Qute has a fuel efficiency of 36 kmpl and a top speed of 70km per hour. In terms of dimensions, Bajaj Qute measures 2,752mm in length, 1,312mm in width and 1,650mm in height.