Bajaj set to launch dual-fuel bikes

Two-wheeler major Bajaj Auto is close to introducing two-wheelers that will use green fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Sources in BAL said the company was working on dual-fuel two-wheelers that will have twin engines. "The first such vehicle would be launched next year," sources said.

CNG/LPG two-wheelers will offer much lower running costs compared with petrol.

According to sources in the city's auto components industry, BAL is developing these vehicles indigenously. The vehicles will have a small gasoline engine besides CNG/LPG kits.

The company also plans to introduce rear engine, four-stroke LPG three-wheelers shortly, sources said, adding that the CNG three-wheelers introduced by BAL in New Delhi has evoked a good response.

The company has recorded 23 per cent rise in its two-wheeler production in May 2006 compared with its year-ago period.

BAL produced 199,426 two wheelers in May this year against 162,753 in May 2005. The number of three-wheelers rose from 15,892 in May 2005 to 24,029 this year.

Exports rose 107 per cent as 32,179 units were exported this May compared with 15540 units in May 2005.

For the first two months of this financial year, the company manufactured 32 per cent more motorcycles compared with April-May last year.

Exports for the two months was 85 per cent higher this year than for the first two months of the last financial year.