By Theodore Opara

The face of the first and last-mile transportation in Nigeria, currently dominated by the two and three-wheeler cycles is set to change with the launch of the Bajaj QUTE in Lagos over the weekend, by Metropolitan Motors.

The QUTE is a four-wheeler new age Quadricycle defined by weight, power and Speed which gives it advantage over the tricycle and motorcycle markets. Like a car, it is spacious and has an enclosed body structure. Its high-end technology equips to run at a restricted speed of 70kmph.

To operators, it will be the most economical and therefore profitable segment because of its low-cost of operation arising from its light body weight and optimal size of engine.  Fuel consumption is highly efficient at 36km per a litre.

The product was launched by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, represented by the Director, Public Transport and commuter Services in the State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Bunmi Odukoya. The Governor hailed the management of Metropolitan Motors for their foresight and right timing in introducing the QUTE into the market as the product is in sync with the Lagos State Government’s broad strategy on Public transportation reform and Bus replacement programme. He reiterated the program’s objectives of replacing the yellow buses with high and medium capacity buses of 80 and 40 combined seating and standing capacities respectively, whereby the QUTE fits in as the first and last-mile vehicles in the value-chain and presents an effective replacement for the tricycles and motorcycles (Keke) that are already posing safety and security deathtraps to the commuting public.

The Governor confirmed that the Bus programme is divided into phases and Phase 1A which is Ikeja-Lagos is expected to come upstream in May next year with the arrival of the first tranche of buses ordered by the State Government. He announced that the Bus depot which is purpose built for this programme, which includes facilities for ‘Park & ride’ is ready for use, while the bill to legislate the policy into law has been sent to the State House of Assembly.

In his speech, the Managing Director, Metropolitan Motors, Mr. Olutoyin Okeowo signposted his Company’s readiness to partner with the State Government and other State and Federal Agencies/stakeholders to alleviate the suffering of the commuters by providing affordable transportation that promotes safety, security and convenience.

He also announced that his Company has been licensed by the Federal Government of Nigeria as an

approved local-assembler of the Bajaj Maxima Cargo and Qute.

The QUTE is an innovative product from Bajaj India, engineered for safety, convenience, and smarter commuting. To ensure that the Qute is safe for passengers as much as it is convenient to drive around, its body is made of high strength steel and its monocoque construction gives it the structural integrity and sophisticated design.

It weighs about 450kgs, Been light in weight makes it an energy efficient vehicle. Qute sits on a water-cooled Digital Tri-Spark ignition 4-valve engine and a closed loop fuel injection system. This helps in delivering high performance, power and control. With a small turning circle radius of 3.5m, Qute is equipped to maneuver small inner city roads.

Dignitaries present at the launch include Senior Special Assistant to the President on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Akinfulire, the Archbishop Ecclesiastical province of Lagos, Anglican Communion, Rev Dr. E.A Ademowo, Senator Olurinimbe Mamora, Prof. Ashiru (Managing Director, Tricontinental Oil and Gas Ltd,  Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce, Mr. Bimbo Ashiru and others dignitaries.

Metropolitan Motors assembles and is the sole distributor for Bajaj Maxima Cargo and Qute in Nigeria.

File name: motoring1………………..14/12/2017