India’s Top Rickshaw Maker Sees Bright Future in CNG Motorbikes

Bajaj Auto Ltd., India’s No. 1 maker of auto rickshaws, said it’s received around 6,000 orders for its new compressed natural gas-powered motorbike — a vehicle it bills as a world first — as consumers seek more affordable ways to embrace greener passenger transport.

Bajaj Freedom, a sports motorcycle with a 124 cubic capacity engine, was launched earlier this month with a starting price of 95,000 rupees ($1,135). Some 100 of the bikes have already been delivered to customers, Executive Director Rakesh Sharma said in an interview.