Bajaj Auto could build Microlino in India
Micro Mobility Systems and Bajaj Auto started talks for a partnership almost a year ago, as per a report from Autocar Professional. Wim Ouboter, founder and chairman of Micro Mobility Systems, met with Bajaj Auto at its manufacturing facility in Maharashtra. His sons, Oliver Ouboter and Merlin Ouboter, the Operations Manager and Marketing Manager, respectively, accompanied him on the visit.
In the same way Bajaj Auto builds some of KTM’s entry-level motorcycles for all the markets globally, it is discussing manufacturing Micro Mobility Systems’ Microlino for India and the world. Similarly, it is considering acquiring a significant minority stake in the Swiss company. This potential partnership would allow the latter to leverage India’s low-cost manufacturing ecosystem and significantly scale up its global presence.
The Microlino has a unique front door opening, but Bajaj Auto would likely modify the design to include conventional side access. The car has only one motor that produces 12.3 kW and 17.9 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 50 kph in five seconds and a top speed of 90 kph. Micro Mobility Systems gives customers a choice of 5.5 kWh, 10.5 kWh, and 15 kWh NMC/NCA battery packs, which deliver a range of 93 km, 177 km, and 228 km, respectively, as per World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC).
The report suggests that Bajaj Auto is also exploring a new combustion-engine variant of the Microlino. The company could offer it with a 650 cc twin-cylinder engine in petrol or CNG fuel options.
Bajaj Auto has a strong foothold in India’s three-wheeler space and enjoys a market share of over 65% in this category. The company is also among the leading two-wheeler makers in the country. The Microlino is currently manufactured by Italian company CECOMP at its factory Turin, Italy.
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