Bajaj to offer preview of small car at Auto Expo

Delhi's Auto Expo, starting January 9, is attracting more attention than usual this year because, among other things, Tata Motors will be displaying its much-discussed Rs 1 lakh car, the world's lowest priced car.

Now, sources in Bajaj Auto have confirmed that it is expected to offer a sneak preview of its small car, priced at roughly Rs 1.17 lakh, at the Expo.

The country's second largest two-wheeler company had announced a tie-up with Renault and Nissan in October to develop an ultra-low cost small car for India.

The Tata offering is expected to hit the roads in September or October this year. Bajaj's car will be ready for commercial production after two years.

Renault and Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, who visited Bajaj Auto in October, said he hoped the prototype will be ready by the end of this year.

A Bajaj Auto spokesperson declined to comment. Senior company sources, however, said Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj, who will address a press conference on 8 January, will discuss some details of the small car and the road ahead with the partners.