Bajaj, Renault may go separate ways on the ULC car project
The proposed Bajaj-Renault partnership for an ultra low cost (ULC) car could be headed for trouble already. The two companies have 'issues' with the car's design, technical specification, branding and positioning.
Last year, Bajaj and Renault had signed an MoU for the ULC car project, but the actual joint venture agreement has not been signed yet. According to reports in the media, both Bajaj and Renault still want to work together on the small car, but their aims and objectives are turning out to be dissimilar, which may put the whole project in jeopardy.
Bajaj, which currently has no cachet in the passenger cars space, is looking to develop a vehicle which other carmakers may find difficult (or even impossible?) to profitably replicate. In addition to low cost, the Pune-based two-wheeler manufacturer wants to focus on fuel-efficiency for its first car.
Renault, meanwhile, wants to go after the Tata Nano, no holds barred. It wants to develop a car that can take on the Nano in terms of pricing and value-for-money. The French company is confident that for Nano money, it can actually offer a car that's better engineered, safer, more stylish and more refined than the Tata product. While Bajaj believes that a Nano replica - even one that's slightly better than the original - may not work, Renault is quite gung-ho about it and wants to launch its own version of the Nano as soon as possible.
Apart from tech specs and positioning, the other major issue is that of branding. Bajaj is keen to keep the upper hand here, since the ULC car will be its first foray into the passenger cars segment. The company wants the new car to be seen as a Bajaj product, and does not want the Renault badge to overwhelm the Bajaj name.
While both Bajaj and Renault remain committed to resolving their issues over the next few weeks, their ULC car may well be delayed by 6-12 months if Bajaj insists on reengineering the package completely. There also seems to be a small chance that the alliance may not take off at all, in which case Bajaj will go on to develop the small car on its own, perhaps with technical inputs from KTM. Either way, it should be interesting to see how this story finally pans out.
[Via: indiaautomotive]
7 Ways to be Safe on a Motorcycle
1. Ready your motorcycle - Do not go into a battle with a defective sword. Thus, inspect first your motorcycle. Are the parts in good riding condition? If there are parts that need to be replaced, replace it. If there are those that need to be fixed, then fix it first. If these parts are overlooked, they will not only spoil your ride but spoil your life as well.
2. Wear your protection - Helmet, jacket/vest, gloves, pants and footwear must not be neglected. If you want total protection then, do not dare neglect any of these gears. You do not know which body part will be hit. You do not even know if there will be a fatal crash just after mounting on your bike so you must protect everything from your head to your toe!
3. Be conspicuous - Try to use motorcycle parts and gears that reflect or emit lights. This will help you become obvious to other motorcyclists. Most accidents happen because the road is a blurry du to rain or snow. Moreover, the use of neon colors can very well help.
4. Keep Distance - Leave ample space all around your motorcycle to avoid bumps. Most of the time, mishaps happen because of tailgating and not keeping safe distance.
5. Expect accident - Every time you drive, expect an accident. That way you will be extra careful and drive defensively. Beware of the curves, intersections, oncoming left turners, school zones and other populated places so as to prevent road accidents.
6. Avoid riding during nighttime - It's hard to see other motorists at night this is especially true when there are lesser lights used. Aside from conspicuity another possible problem that may arise during nightime are the drunken drivers who are mostly coming from bar hopping spree or teenagers having their weekly night-out.
7. Ride you Own Ride - You do not have to impress others. Know your limits and always remember safety more than anything else!
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