The ultra-low car (ULC) being developed by Bajaj Auto, one of the major automobile manufacturers in India, seems to have been cold-shouldered by their business partner Renault India. It has been reported that that Renault-Nissan is yet to see the final roadworthy version of the car and may not be interested in “just a four-wheeler which is not a car”.
Bajaj was to invest 100% in the development and manufacture of the ultra-low carand Renault was to take care of branding and marketing.
The tie-up between the two top-notch companies – Bajaj Auto and Renault India – generated a lot of curiosity and anticipation. However, it looks as if the tie up would prove to be a damp squib. Current indications are that Bajaj Auto has not received any encouraging feedback from Renault India and that Renault may not fulfill its agreement as it may not be interested in what is viewed as “just a four-wheeler and not a car“, as quoted by Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto.
Renault is reportedly working independently on its own product pipeline, which is rolling out five cars over a period of one-and-a-half years (mid-2011 to 2012-end).
