Delhi Auto Expo 2012: Force Motors showcase plans

Yet another Indian automobile manufacturer, Force Motors, has stepped into the passenger car market. For the younger generation who might have only recently heard about Force Motors since the launch of the Force One SUV, the company has been around since 1958. Force Motors has been manufacturing commercial vehicles in India for decades now and has been doing very well on that front.

The company has now firmly set its sights on the passenger car market as well. But their ambitions go beyond making just a budget hatchback and the Force One SUV is testament to that. With a Diamler engine, leather interiors and technology-laden features, the SUV leaves quite an impression.

At the Delhi Auto Expo 2012, Force Motors will showcase a range of vehicles – from a Force One 4X4 version to a range of commercial passenger vehicles and a concept hybrid commercial passenger vehicle.

The Force One was launched as a 4X2 on-road SUV. Indians, in general, hold a size-does-matter mentality when it comes to buying an SUV and the Force One doesn’t disappoint in that aspect. On paper, it is 16 feet long and 5.8 feet wide. But it’s so much more than just a brawny SUV. For now, the Force One comes in a single variant and it comes loaded with features like distance to empty computer, fuel consumption calculator, Bluetooth phone connectivity, steering mounted controls, charging socket, Anti-lock brakes and even cruise control.

Fire power comes from the OM616 unit that Force Motors sourced from Diamler AG years ago. The engine has been chosen for its bulletproof reliability and proven performance, and with 140PS of power on tap, the 2.2-litre turbocharged common rail unit can pose a tough challenge to rivals Mahindra Scorpio and Tata Safari. The 4X4 version scheduled to be unveiled at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo will further widen the appeal of the Force One to the enthusiast buyer.

The Force Motors stand will also have on display an extended wheelbase version of the Force Traveller commercial passenger vehicle. When launched, the Traveller, which will have a seating capacity of 27 passengers, will give the company the distinction of making the largest seating commercial vehicle with a monocoque construction in the world.

Force Motors will also be showcasing a hybrid version of the Force Traveller. The hybrid Force Traveller will have a smaller diesel engine assisted by lithium ion battery that will be charged by regenerative braking and solar panels integrated to the vehicle’s body. While the Force Traveller has pushed the levels of comfort and reliability for the commercial passenger vehicle in India, the hybrid version will push the technological boundaries for commercial vehicles.

Vehicles aside, Force Motors will also be displaying vehicular technology such as the 4X4 system in the Force One and the Anti-lock Braking System at their stand during the Expo. If you are at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012 you must check out the Force Motors stand to see how various automobile components work as well as the Force range of vehicles on display. Sadly, the much-talked about Force MPV is still under development and won’t be displayed at the Expo this year.

Cars to Watch Out For: Force One 4X4, Force Traveller Extended Wheelbase, Force Traveller hybrid concept

Expected price range:

Force One 4X4 : Rs. 13.20 lakhs

Force Traveller Extended Wheelbase : NA

Force Traveller hybrid concept : NA
 
Competition:

*Ex-showroom Delhi prices