Runner Automobiles opens country’s maiden three-wheeler manufacturing plant

Runner Automobiles has expanded its local production to include three-wheelers. For the first time, the Bangladeshi company will manufacture CNG and LPG-powered three-wheelers under the Bajaj brand at its Bhaluka, Mymensingh facility. The Tk 300 crore ($35 million) plant, which has an initial production capacity of 30,000 units, is capable of meeting the local demand for engine-powered three-wheelers, making it a substitute for imported Bajaj three-wheelers.

The inauguration of the country’s first three-wheeler plant was held on Saturday and was attended by Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman as the chief guest, as well as other parliament members, the executive chairman of BIDA, Bajaj Auto President K S Grihapathy, and top industry leaders.

Bajaj Auto, the global leader in the three-wheeler industry, dominates over 90% of the market in Bangladesh. Runner estimates that the local plant will add around 70% value to the product through local production of chassis, body welding, painting, testing, engine assembly, and vehicle assembly. The local production is expected to lower the unit prices of last-mile vehicles (LMVs), which are lightweight machines designed for short-range commuting.

Uttara Motors, the longtime distributor of imported Bajaj three-wheelers in Bangladesh, will sell the locally manufactured CNG units, while Runner will continue to market the LPG-powered ones. The three-wheeler plant has already created 300 jobs, primarily technical positions.