The Hindu : Business : Premier returns to Indian auto market

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, May 12, 2005

Business

Business

Premier returns to Indian auto market

Special Correspondent

Launches an MPV and a pick-up vehicle

CHENNAI: Premier Ltd. (formerly Premier Automobiles) has returned to the Indian automobile market with the launch of Sigma, a multi-purpose diesel vehicle, and Roadstar, a two-tonne pick-up vehicle of new generation.

Both vehicles were developed in technical tie-up with China Motor Corporation, Taiwan, an affiliate of Mitsubishi.

Sigma is a seven-seater MPV, powered by a two-litre, high torque and fuel-efficient diesel engine. It is priced at Rs. 3.95 lakhs ex-showroom Pune. The ex-showroom price in Chennai will be Rs. 4.08 lakhs.

Roadstar is powered by a two-litre diesel engine. According to Atul Akolkar, Head (Sales & Marketing), Roadstar "will meet India's inter- and intra-city needs.'' Roadstar is priced at Rs. 3.25 lakhs ex-shoowroom Pune. It will cost Rs. 3.36 lakhs in Chennai. Premier has tied with State Bank of India to provide retail finance for these vehicles.

Mr. Akolkar said Premier would grow its dealer network in two phases. In the initial phase, the focus would be on the South and the West. Subsequently, the focus would be on northern and eastern India. Premier, he said, would have 50 dealers across the country. The engines for these vehicles were made at the Pitampur facility of Hindustan Motors. The flexible plant at Chinchwad in Pune could produce 10,000 vehicles, he said.

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