In August, Pune-based Force Motors took the first step towards changing its commercial vehicle producer image when it forayed into the potentially sound passenger car segment of the Indian market with Delhi Auto Expo in January 2012.
Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors said, "We will show a four-wheel drive and a concept luxury weekend getaway versions at the Auto Expo, with the latter having luxurious interiors. We will also show a new 26-seater monocoque bus which will go into regular production by April 2011."
Speculations are rife that the all-new 4X4 variant will be affixed with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and airbags. The absence of these coveted features in the 4X2 variant, which was revealed earlier this year, led to its downfall in the market. The 4X2 variant did not receive satisfactory response in the Indian market as basic necessities were not fulfilled. Moreover, a complete package in the form of Mahindra XUV500 proved to be a double whammy for Force One.
Further, the bus will showcase variety using two variants, of which one is expected to be a luxury model that can take 10 to 18 passengers on board and the other would be a standard 26-seater. Firodia confirmed that these buses have been designed to befit the inter-city and intra-city needs, with shorter and sleeker body compared to the usual dimensions of Volvo luxury coaches. However, information regarding the cost and name of these products were kept under covers and is expected to be revealed in New Delhi on 6th January 2011.
The buses are produced in-house, completely, and are not manufactured under the deal inked between Force Motors and Daimler AG. Firodia said that the Force Motors-Dailmer AG products will be a part of the industry after a period of time. The passenger and commercial car maker has also decided to bring out its hybrid Traveller coach and small commercial vehicle, the Trump that would be CNG-powered.
Thus, with strong plans on the cards for Force Motors, the car maker seems to be going on the right track in the Indian auto industry and its future deals with the market appear to be full proof.
