Friday, December 23, 2011
By Manoj Kumawat
Force Motors to bring in a new MPV, CNG & hybrid version of Traveller in the making
India bound Force Motors seems to have adopted the no looking back strategy. Once it has plunged into the personal vehicle segment with the launch of Force One SUV, it has now plans to launch a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in 2013. All this and more of the plans of the Indian SUV maker will be available for purview at the Auto Expo 2012. It is here that Force will also be unveiling the hybrid version of its most popular commercial vehicle Force Traveller. It will be up for sale by 2012 end. The unveiling of Force One 4x4 version at the event is worth mentioning.
As per the available information, the proposed MPV will be developed in close association with Dailmer that has also supplied engine technology to the Force One SUV. The seating capacity of the MPV will be nine persons and it is expected to be in the price range of Rs12 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. Force Motors and Dailmer had entered into an agreement in July this year abiding which the German firm will be supplying the product technology and necessary technical expertise in the development of the MPV.
Reports suggest that the hybrid version of the commercial vehicle Force Traveller will be using solar energy apart from diesel to power it and will also be reutilizing the exhaust gases to generate power. This will help make the commercial vehicle more viable. However, the price may be higher for the hybrid version. It will be produced at the company’s manufacturing plant in Madhya Pradesh. Apart from this, the company also plans to introduce a CNG version of the Traveller in order to make it more fit for public transport within cities besides being a great option for long touring. The CNG version will also be showcased at the Auto Expo 2012.
