From the humble Rhino UV to a 'world car' that will be sold in India, Europe, US and various South East Asian markets! If nothing else, ICML's ambition is praise-worthy
The Sonalika Group, whose International Cars and Motors Ltd. (ICML) sells the ‘Rhino’ utility vehicle, has announced that it will invest Rs 700 crore towards developing and launching a line of ‘world cars’ by 2010. For this, the company will work in collaboration with the famous Italian design house, Pininfarina.
‘We will be launching the world car by 2010 in the European and Indian market. The CKD kit of the car will be manufactured in our Amb facility in Himachal, and the cars will be assembled in Italy,’ said Deepak Mittal, MD, ICML. He added that ICML will also look at selling these cars in the US and South East Asian markets.
According to the company, a part of the Rs 700 crore investment would be used at the Amb factory, while the remaining would go to the assembly unit in Italy. ICML is supposed to be talking to various overseas companies for sourcing engines that are compatible with the latest emissions norms in India and Europe.
If nothing else, ICML must be given credit for its sheer ambition. Apart from its ‘world car,’ the company is also developing a seven-seater SUV and a C-segment luxury sedan. These cars will have a range of petrol and diesel engines, and the prototype is, supposedly, ready in Italy. Stay tuned for more news on this company!
