The Hindu Business Line : Hind Motors plans new variants for Lancer and SUV range soon

It is about to re-launch its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) options of the Lancer model. The company had introduced a Lancer CNG model (bi-fuel — petrol and CNG) at Rs 7.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai) and now plans to float an additional model variant (unifuel — CNG only) at approximately Rs 40,000-50,000 cheaper than the existing CNG model.

This model will run mostly on CNG. It will have a petrol engine but won't run on petrol as it won't have the existing 50-litre tank present in the car; the car will have a 5-litre petrol tank for emergency alone.

The company had introduced the first CNG model in July 2006 based on a CNG conversion kit imported from BRC, Italy.

Sales of the CNG model have not been promising. It was expecting a 100-units sales order from Mumbai-based Golden Cab Pvt Ltd, which did not materialise. With price cuts, the company intends capturing the CNG market (fleet market) in select metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi.

Meanwhile, the company has discontinued the Lancer INVEX 1.8-litre petrol model three months ago. Formally launched in February 2004, sales were never on the climb. It was one of the first cars to have a semi-automatic gearbox.

Pajero in demand

The SUV range in the Mitsubishi stable is the most promising one as of now. Demand for the 2.8-litre Pajero is growing steadily and substantially. HM has increased production from 5 units to 7 units daily. The cult model is available at Rs 18.81 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).

A re-launch of the Montero model with a 3.2-litre CRDi diesel engine priced in the range of Rs 40-42 lakh (on road, Mumbai) is to be launched end-May, said senior officials. Another SUV, the Mitsubishi Outlander (Honda CR-V competitor) is likely to be launched in 2008, said officials.

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