Bajaj which unveiled the ‘lite’ platform today has said that it will use this platform for both the cargo vehicle and small car. Bajaj will roll out two commercial vehicle on this platform in 2009. Two base models with short and longer wheelbases on lite platform will be launched. Both these trucks will be powered by a multi-cylinder diesel engine which Bajaj claims produced indigenously. According to Mr. R.C. Maheshwari, CEO-CV, Bajaj Auto, “We have frozen the key performance parameters for the new commercial vehicles. The values that will drive the business will be those of innovation and offering the highest value for our customers. The Lite Commercial vehicles will also be rolled out from the new Chakan plant.” These models could then have varying body frames for various application i.e. open bodied pick-up van, close bodied delivery van, soft drink, gas cylinder carriers etc. Bajaj plans to produce 2,50,000 units for both LCVs and the car at its chakan plant. The lite based LCVs price would be announced closer to its official launch. The light commercial vehicle segment has been witnessing growth since the launch of Tata’s Ace and Piaggio ape truk. Force Motors recently launched four wheeled cargo carrier called ‘M4’. In the last few months, Ashok Leyland entered in to a joint venture with Nissan, Swedish automotive giant Volvo tied up with Eicher and Daimler with the Hero Group, each competing for a pie of the LCVs segment. Besides them, AMW is producing a LCV which will be launched soon.