Launch of hybrid variant of 'Traveller' by Force Motors next year

Force Motors based at Pune has plans to launch a hybrid variant of its commercial vehicle 'Traveller' by the end of 2012 after unveiling to the public at the upcoming Auto Expo next month. It is also coming up with a nine-seater multi-purpose vehicle, being developed under a license from German auto giant Daimler, by 2013 with price ranging around of Rs 12 lakh-15 lakh.

Force Motors Managing Director Prasan Firodia said that, "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." The company is developing the technology in association with a firm from the UK, he added. "We will commercially launch the vehicle within a year from now. This will be manufactured at our Pithampur plant in Madhya Pradesh," Firodia said.

The company will also display a CNG version of the Traveller during the auto show at the National Capital from January 5-11. Firodia was also quoted as saying "We have tied up with the German firm to produce a nine-seater van under a licence agreement. We will launch the vehicle in Indian market in 2013." In July this year, the domestic firm had tied up with Daimler for comprehensive supply of product technology for the proposed multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). It was mentioned that when asked about the price of the new vehicle, he said "This will be a completely new category. Although we have decided yet, it will be in the range of Rs 12 lakh-Rs 15 lakh."