New vehicles from Hindustan Motors

Kolkata: Hindustan Motors (HM) unveiled its latest offerings in the Indian market at the Kolkata Auto Fair recently. These include a light commercial vehicle and an Ambasador variant Avigo as well as two multi utility vehicles. The LCV will be launched from the company's Uttarpara works within the next six months.

Mr S. Burman, vice-president (marketing) HM speaking to the press post the inauguration of the Kolkata Auto Fair said, "The LCV would be a six-ton vehicle and would be rolled out within the next six months. He however declined to reveal the price of the vehicle but said that the engine technology had been obtained from an "Indian partner. He did not reveal the name of the Indian partner.
HM also showcased its latest variant of the Ambassador called the Avigo at the Kolkata Auto Fair. Avigo would be available in a 1.8 litre Isuzu petrol engine and a two-litre diesel engine. The Ex-showroom price at Kolkata has been set at Rs 4.98 lakh and Rs 4.77 lakh. The features in the car include improved upholstery, power steering, power brakes, remote shift gear, new grille and transparent headlamps.

HM's other new launches at the Auto Fair include the Porter Plus and the Hardtop Trekker, both multi utility vehicles. The Porter Plus is priced at Rs 3.04 lakh and the Hardtop Trekker at Rs 3.58 lakh. These are positioned alongside base models of Tata Sumo and Mahindra Bolero.

Last year Hindustan Motors launched the Grand' Ambassador and positioned it at institutional buyers and personal owners. The Ambassador was the first car to be manufactured in India and is based on 1948-Morris Oxford, which earlier manufactured in United Kingdom. The Amby, as it is affectionately called, has undergone several ungradations over the years with powerful engines, improved suspension, smoother gears, ergonomically designed seats, wider tyres, power steering and a choice of fuel such as CNG/LPG.

Hindustan Motors has sold over 8 lakh Ambassadors since its launch, with sale of 14,000 units in 2002.

HM has also strengthened its position in the passenger mini bus segment with the launch of the Cosmo in Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. To push sales in the segment, HM is rolling out factory-built bodies for rural transport vehicles, unlike the previous practice of pushing chassis into the market.