By IANS
New Delhi : In an effort to create a niche in the overcrowded multi-utility vehicle market in India, International Car and Motors Ltd (ICML), a part of the Sonalika Group, launched the Rhino Rx here Thursday.
"With the launch of this car we will set a totally new paradigm and highest standards for multi-utility vehicles in the country," said L.D. Mittal, chairperson of the company, better known for its tractors and farm machinery.
"Our vehicle is targeted at commercial users and family segment," Mittal told a press conference, adding that it would give tough competition to Chevrolet's Tavera and Mahindra and Mahindra's Scorpio and Bolero.
Fitted with a Rover diesel engine, the new Rhino Rx can attain a speed of 100 km an hour in less than 16 seconds, company officials said.
The vehicle has five-speed transmission and direct turbo charged inter-cooled engine and will be available in three variants – S1, S2, D1. To begin with, the launch has been planned in four states, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi.
The Rhino variants are available in both single AC and double AC models and come in a price range of Rs.585,000-Rs.695,000 ($14,600-$17,300). The car has been designed in collaboration with Britain-based Lotus Engineering and is customised for Indian roads.
"The unique selling proposition of this car is its pricing and the engine. Our factory is located in a tax-free zone," Mittal said, adding that the company has been able to cut prices by almost 25 percent.
The company plans to sell 10,000 units from its plant at Amb in Himachal Pradesh by the end of this year and more than double the capacity next year.
"At present, the production capacity is 24,000 units. By next year, we plan to double the capacity by investing Rs.400 crore (Rs.4 billion)," said Mittal. "The car will be available through 200 dealers all throughout the country soon."
ICML also plans to launch a sports utility vehicle by 2010. "We have already started talks with some European carmakers but I can't disclose the names now," Mittal said.