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Hind Motors launches RTV model in Maharashtra

Our Bureau

MUMBAI, June 12

HINDUSTAN Motors Ltd formally launched its rural transport vehicle (RTV) model in the Maharashtra market today.

Since its roll-out some months ago, the company has sold about 1,000 units of the RTV nationwide, Mr B.K. Chaturvedi, Executive Director, said at a press conference here.

Following the positive market response to the vehicle, the company planned to increase its capacity for the RTV at its Pithampur plant from the current level of 500 units a month to 750 units and thereafter to 1000 units, he said.

The Pithampur plant now has a turnover of Rs 200 crore, manufacturing, besides the RTV, Mitsubishi Lancer power units and diesel/petrol engines and transmission based on Isuzu technology.

In Mumbai, it is offering the CNG-powered version of the vehicle. The diesel version is also on offer in the State.

The CNG version has fetched sales of around 750 units since launch in January 2001, Delhi being described as one of the strongest markets for the model.

The CNG RTV will be available in Mumbai at an ex-showroom price of Rs 4.94 lakh.

The RTV, originally introduced as a diesel engine-powered rural transport vehicle, is currently billed by the company as its all-road trusted vehicle capable of servicing metros as well. Its prototype was developed in league with OKA Motors of Australia.

Accordingly, the vehicle is also being positioned in the market as a point-to-point people carrier, school bus, ambulance and delivery van.

Its attractions included low initial cost, low running cost, driving ease and high maneuverability, Mr Chaturvedi said.

Mr B.S. Khargonkar, Vice-President, Automobile Division, said that the RTV continued to offer the limited slip differential feature which enabled its engine to focus power delivery on specific wheels.

Pic.: Br B.K.Chaturvedi, Executive Director, Hindustan Motors Ltd, in the driver's seat of the `CNG RTV' launched in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Picture by Shashi Ashiwal