Global Automobiles plans to launch sub-Rs1-lakh car

"We are in talks with automobile manufacturers from Singapore and China to set up a manufacturing unit near Kolkata for our sub-Rs1 lakh cars and are hoping to enter into a formal agreement with one of them very soon," chairman Santanu Ghosh said.

Global Automobiles, a part of computer hardware manufacturer Xenitis group, has entered into an agreement with state-run Chinese automobile manufacturer, Guangzhou Motors, to make motorcycles and gearless scooters for the Indian market.

"We have invested around Rs280 crore to set up a two-wheeler facility in Hooghly. The facility would have an initial capacity to produce around three lakh two-wheelers per annum," Ghosh said.

The company plans to roll out 125cc and 145cc motorcycles in January and 100cc variant and gearless scooters afterwards.

Ghosh said the company would consolidate business in the eastern region before rolling out products for the rest of the country.

The company has acquired around 20 acres of land in Hooghly for the two-wheeler project and is in talks with the state government to acquire an additional 50 acres for the proposed car project, Ghosh said.

Global Automobiles general manager Sumit Banerjee said the company would focus on export markets.