Firodias to go ahead with Bajaj Tempo name change

Carrying forward the stand-off with Bajaj Auto over name change, Bajaj Tempo CMD Abhay Firodia today said the company would go ahead with steps to rechristen itself as Force Motors "as per an ordinary resolution".

Firodia also made clear that Bajaj Tempo has no plans to invite its German technical collaborator, Man Nutzfahrzeuge, as an equity partner.

On the name change, Firodia said: "As per the directive received from the regional director, western region, ministry of company affairs, the company has proposed to change its name to Force Motors. The directive is issued under Section 22 of the Companies Act, 1956, whereby it is mandated that change in name should be carried out by an ordinary resolution."

If it goes by this route, Bajajs - who hold a 24% stake in Bajaj Tempo - will not be able to block the resolution. Bajaj Auto chairman Rahul Bajaj has openly opposed the Firodias for proposing Force Motors as the new name, and emphasising that Bajaj cannot be dropped from the name of the company.

"Any proposition or resolution that drops the word Bajaj from the name will be opposed by us," Bajaj said, adding that the name change requires a special resolution under Section 21 of the Companies Act.