Global Automobiles launches the UFO 0150 scooter

Global Automobiles' new UFO 0150 at the launch in Kolkata

The Kolkata-based Global Automobiles, a fully owned subsidiary of the Xenitis Group, has announced the launch of the UFO 0150, the lowest priced 150cc scooter in the country. The company has also announced an additional investment of Rs 430 crore over the next six months.

A team of 20 members from West Bengal State Assembly's Standing Committee on Commerce and Industry, led by the Chairman Sudip Bandopadhyay visited the Global Automobiles factory, the first two-wheeler manufacturer of eastern India. Sudip Bandopadhyay unveiled UFO 0150.

Targeted at the urban youth, the UFO 0150 features a 150cc four-stroke engine with electric start, and is priced at Rs 34,990 ex-showroom.

This year, Global Automobiles registered a turnover of Rs 152 crore. Santanu Ghosh, Chairman & Managing Director, Xenitis Group, says his company has ambitious growth plans for Global Automobiles and that the company will keep launching new two-wheelers catering to the budget segment in India.

Xenitis’ Global Automobiles may post a turnover of Rs five billion in 2008-09

Can't get off...?! Er, well, the company hopes to post a turnover of Rs 5 billion in any case

Kolkata-based Xenitis Group, whose motorcycle manufacturing division, Global Automobiles manufactures the Xpression, Xpression Plus and Rock 100 bikes, has said its motorcycle division may post a turnover of Rs five billion in 2008-09.

The company makes about 30,000 bikes a month, in technical collaboration with Guangzhou Motors of China. The company’s first bike – the Xpression – was launched in April last year, followed by the Xpression Plus and the Rock 100 shortly thereafter. These inexpensive bikes cater to the lowest end of the Indian two-wheeler market.

While the Xpression is available in 100cc, 125cc and 150cc variants, the Rock is only available with a 100cc engine, for which claimed fuel efficiency is 115km/l. Recently, Global Automobiles also launched their first scooter – the 150cc UFO, which is a gearless scooter priced at Rs 35,000.

According to Xenitis, the company is already exporting its bikes to Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Chile, Nigeria, Iran and Argentina. And apart from this, there are plans to launch a bicycle brand next month, and perhaps a very low-cost car in the future, if the company can find the right technology inputs from a foreign collaborator.