Bajaj Auto, India’s top exporter of two- and three-wheelers, is seeing significant growth in exports of its quadricycle, the Bajaj Qute. The company, which is the only manufacturer of quadricycles in the country, exported 2,634 units between April and July 2024.
This represents a 112% increase compared to the same period last year, when it shipped 1,244 units. The Qute’s performance in these four months is the best start to a fiscal year since 2020, when 2,104 units were exported in the same timeframe.
According to data from SIAM, July 2024 was the strongest month for Qute exports so far, with 720 units shipped. In the first four months of FY2025, Bajaj Auto has already achieved 63% of its total exports for the previous fiscal year, which totaled 4,178 units. The company is on track to surpass its best-ever fiscal performance for the Qute, which was 5,185 units in FY2020.
Although the Qute was launched in India in FY2019, domestic demand has been relatively low, with only 3,253 units sold by the end of July 2024. In contrast, cumulative exports since FY2016 have reached 30,027 units.
Boost in Exports Driven by Egypt’s New Vehicle Category
A key factor driving the increase in Qute exports is Egypt’s recent decision to officially recognize quadricycles as vehicles for public transportation and to replace its current three-wheeler fleet. The first shipment of Qutes to Egypt this fiscal year included 500 units in Q1. The Qute is also exported to other markets, including Turkiye and Ghana.
Bajaj Auto has a strong market presence in Egypt, particularly with its three-wheelers, which were once a major product in the country. Although Egypt banned the import of three-wheelers in late 2021, the government’s move to establish a new vehicle category for quadricycles is expected to boost Qute exports. This development could create significant export opportunities for Bajaj Auto.
Bajaj Electric Qute on the Horizon
Bajaj Auto is also planning to introduce an electric version of the Qute. The company, which has already made strides in the electric two- and three-wheeler markets with its Chetak e-scooter and RE E-Tec models, is now focusing on electrifying the Qute platform. Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director at Bajaj Auto, mentioned earlier this year that the company is investing in upgrades for the Qute, including a CNG-based version and plans for an electric variant.
