Force Motors – the Pune based utility vehicle maker has pushed the launch date of its maiden SUV. The SUV will now debut in May as against the earlier date of March.
A source told Autocar India that the company has decided to extend the testing period of the vehicle to ensure there are no glitches when it hits the market. The new SUV will have no room for error as it will meet some formidable competitors like Mahindra’s Scorpio and Tata’s Safari.
Power will come from a brand new 2.2-litre engine which will be built under license from Daimler. This motor, however is getting a little tweaked to offer better fuel efficiency by scaling down its power output. Foreign consultants are working on minimizing NVH levels.
In an exclusive interview with Autocar India, Prasan Firodia, MD, Force Motors says “the powertrain technology being offered would be best in the segment. The SUV uses a C-in-C chassis that's been designed and developed in-house by Force Motors. We are very happy with the performance of our prototypes.”
Force Motors will build the SUV at its Pithampur plant. Around Rs 150crore has been invested in the project which will have an installed annual production capacity of 24,000 units. The company has set up a new vertical for R&D, manufacturing, marketing & sales of the new SUV. Force Motors is also making changes in its retail network for its new product.