Force Motors will also display a CNG and hybrid version of the Traveller during the auto show in Delhi.
The Hybrid version may see its commercial launch by end of the year. The company is also planning to introduce a nine-seater multi-purpose vehicle, being developed under a licence from German auto giant Daimler, by 2013 with price ranging between Rs 12-15 lakh. The MPV will be based on a older generation Viano platform. It will be direct competitor theWinger but at twice its price.
Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors was quoted as saying “We are showcasing a hybrid concept of the Traveller at the Delhi Auto Expo in January. It will be a parallel hybrid that utilises solar energy as well as has regenerative exhaust systems. We will commercially launch the vehicle within a year from now. This will be manufactured at our Pithampur plant in Madhya Pradesh.”
Force Motors is setting up a new facility at Pithampur for this MPV with a capacity of 24,000 units per annum, to be attained in two equal phases. The company has also tied up with Daimler to produce a nine-seater van under a licence agreement and be manufactured at this new facility.
