NEW DELHI: India has expressed surprise at top homeware retailer Ikea's purported thumbs-down on setting up shop in the country, saying the Swedish firm's misgivings about local sourcing clauses in the recent policy on single-brand retail needn't be a deal breaker.
Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma, whose ministry put together the new policy that permits 100% foreign ownership in the single-brand retail sector, appeared taken aback by reports that suggested Ikea was considering withholding its entry into India because of requirements such as sourcing of 30% goods from local small and medium companies.
"I don't know where the problem is. The chief of Ikea had told me only last year that they were already sourcing 30% of their global wares from India and the figure will only increase in the future," he told ET.
On Tuesday, news reports suggested that Ikea, which for long symbolised the type of overseas company that would be attracted by the policy change, had found the conditions on local sourcing as "concerning".
Ikea CEO Mikael Ohlsson was quoted in one report as saying while the outright ownership of operations granted to foreign single-brand retailers earlier this month was "a very positive change", the local sourcing rules were more easily met by food retailers than single-brand companies with established, global product ranges.
A company spokeswoman was quoted as saying: "We have found that the conditions applied to local sourcing from small and mid-size enterprises might be difficult for us to live up to."
Sharma said nobody had approached him, specifically mentioning these sourcing rules as an impediment. But he hinted that the government could be flexible. Ikea and other overseas retailers such as Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Tesco already source a range of items such as clothes, rugs, toothpastes and dog food from Indian companies, with many of them having done so for years. These companies also want to sell in India, the third biggest retail market in Asia.
Supermarket chains such as Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Tesco, which sell products of multiple brands, cannot set up stores yet as foreign direct investment is barred in multi-brand retail. At the start of 2012, the government notified 100% foreign investment in single brand retail with a key condition mandating all proposals involving FDI beyond 51% to source at least 30% of the value of products sold from 'Indian small industries/village and cottage industries, artisans and craftsmen'.
Some retail industry experts have also suggested that overseas retailers had a bigger problem with the definition of SMEs, which could automatically disqualify several vendors.
Success in my Habit
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Indian tyre industry facing threat from cheap Chinese imports
AGARTALA: The Chairman of Rubber Board, Sheila Thomas, said that India's rubber industry is facing a threat due to cheap import of products from China, adding that the country could easily overcome this problem since the quality of products manufactured in India are superior as compared to other countries.
She said this on the sidelines of a prize giving ceremony for rubber growers in Agartala.
"China is mostly cheaper goods, how they produce it we don't know, especially non-tyre, but tyre also. Tyre people are also facing threat from cheaper imports from China. But, then we can, through our competence and government has some measures to help them out, so I am sure they can. Quality-wise we are superior to everyone in the world I think, that's why all the tyre majors are coming to India now to put up their plants," said Thomas.
Thomas added that rubber has helped the farmers to get a steady income, and they are able to get good money for their produce almost throughout the year.
"Rubber has certainly helped in giving the people a sustainable income, the best part about rubber is that it can yield almost throughout the year, only except for a brief gap in summer and here in winter. So, that gives a steady income to the farmer and prices now are good. If the economic growth improves, then consumption of rubber will also go up," she added.
She predicted that in the near future Indian economy would emerge stronger as the demand for natural rubber is directly proportional to the GDP of a nation.
She said this on the sidelines of a prize giving ceremony for rubber growers in Agartala.
"China is mostly cheaper goods, how they produce it we don't know, especially non-tyre, but tyre also. Tyre people are also facing threat from cheaper imports from China. But, then we can, through our competence and government has some measures to help them out, so I am sure they can. Quality-wise we are superior to everyone in the world I think, that's why all the tyre majors are coming to India now to put up their plants," said Thomas.
Thomas added that rubber has helped the farmers to get a steady income, and they are able to get good money for their produce almost throughout the year.
"Rubber has certainly helped in giving the people a sustainable income, the best part about rubber is that it can yield almost throughout the year, only except for a brief gap in summer and here in winter. So, that gives a steady income to the farmer and prices now are good. If the economic growth improves, then consumption of rubber will also go up," she added.
She predicted that in the near future Indian economy would emerge stronger as the demand for natural rubber is directly proportional to the GDP of a nation.
Tyre makers' rubber import plans go awry on faltering demand
KOCHI: A slack demand in the tyre market has upset tyre companies' plans to import rubber and take advantage of low international prices. Tyre consumption recorded a marginal improvement in November but remained flat in December. This has forced tyre makers to adopt a wait-and-watch policy before adding to their inventory through imports.
With global rubber prices likely to remain subdued for some more time, tyre makers were gearing up for more import of natural rubber. The import of 40,000 tonne of rubber sanctioned by government at the reduced duty of 7.5% has more or less been completed.
"The tyre industry has decided to wait and watch before going for further imports as demand has not rebounded fully. Since there was some improvement in November sales, we were hoping it would be better in December. But the demand was flat last month," said Rajiv Budhraja, director general, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association.
During the period from August to October, truck and bus tyre sales dropped 12% over the April-July period. Passenger car sales fell 8% in the period.
Overall, tyre production slid by 7% in the three months ended October 2011. The scenario has not changed much in the subsequent two months and the industry doesn't have high hopes for January.
Global rubber prices hovered around Rs 180 per kg in December while domestic prices remained around Rs 200 per kg. Even after considering the depreciation in rupee, imports are viable, say tyre industry sources.
"At the present international price, the landed cost of imported rubber will be around Rs 205 per kg. On the other hand, buying rubber from the local market and transporting it to the factories will take the cost to Rs 212 per kg," said George Valy, president of Rubber Dealers Association. The industry had earlier considered asking the government for duty-free imports factoring in the depreciation in rupee. But it now looks unlikely.
The sovereign debt crisis in Europe and lower offtake by China have kept the global rubber prices depressed. Chinese buying is expected to improve after their new year in January.
In Indian market, the future contracts are showing a bearish phase. The January contract for delivery is ruling at Rs 197. According to George Valy, growers may be reluctant to sell below Rs 200 per kg.
With global rubber prices likely to remain subdued for some more time, tyre makers were gearing up for more import of natural rubber. The import of 40,000 tonne of rubber sanctioned by government at the reduced duty of 7.5% has more or less been completed.
"The tyre industry has decided to wait and watch before going for further imports as demand has not rebounded fully. Since there was some improvement in November sales, we were hoping it would be better in December. But the demand was flat last month," said Rajiv Budhraja, director general, Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association.
During the period from August to October, truck and bus tyre sales dropped 12% over the April-July period. Passenger car sales fell 8% in the period.
Overall, tyre production slid by 7% in the three months ended October 2011. The scenario has not changed much in the subsequent two months and the industry doesn't have high hopes for January.
Global rubber prices hovered around Rs 180 per kg in December while domestic prices remained around Rs 200 per kg. Even after considering the depreciation in rupee, imports are viable, say tyre industry sources.
"At the present international price, the landed cost of imported rubber will be around Rs 205 per kg. On the other hand, buying rubber from the local market and transporting it to the factories will take the cost to Rs 212 per kg," said George Valy, president of Rubber Dealers Association. The industry had earlier considered asking the government for duty-free imports factoring in the depreciation in rupee. But it now looks unlikely.
The sovereign debt crisis in Europe and lower offtake by China have kept the global rubber prices depressed. Chinese buying is expected to improve after their new year in January.
In Indian market, the future contracts are showing a bearish phase. The January contract for delivery is ruling at Rs 197. According to George Valy, growers may be reluctant to sell below Rs 200 per kg.
Rubber board to focus on non-tyre sector
KOCHI: The Rubber Board will focus its promotion activities on consumption by the non-tyre sectors as offtake has dropped over 5% in the last six months.
Usually, this sector absorbs almost a third of production. Lacking the financial strength of tyre companies, the 4,000-plus units in the non-tyre sector are vulnerable to the changes in rubber prices and duties.
The sector was hit by a sharp rise in rubber prices and a low import duty on finished products last year. The downturn in the rubber prices towards the end of the year has brought some relief for the sector, which comprises many small-scale units.
As part of efforts to promote the sector, Rubber Board is taking an initiative to set up a product testing laboratory in Chennai. Rubber Board is hoping to get funds for the laboratory next fiscal.
Usually, this sector absorbs almost a third of production. Lacking the financial strength of tyre companies, the 4,000-plus units in the non-tyre sector are vulnerable to the changes in rubber prices and duties.
The sector was hit by a sharp rise in rubber prices and a low import duty on finished products last year. The downturn in the rubber prices towards the end of the year has brought some relief for the sector, which comprises many small-scale units.
As part of efforts to promote the sector, Rubber Board is taking an initiative to set up a product testing laboratory in Chennai. Rubber Board is hoping to get funds for the laboratory next fiscal.
TVS to scale up operations in West Bengal
KOLKATA: TVS Motor would ramp up its existing operations of manufacturing two-wheelers at Uluberia in Howrah over the next three years, a senior official of the company said.
"We are going to increase production of motorcycles at the Uluberia plant from 1600 units per year to 2.4 lakh units per year over a period of three years", TVS chairman Venu Srinivasan told reporters on the concluding day of Bengal Leads 2012 here today.
He said that total investment would around Rs 400 crore to be spent over three years.
Earlier, TVS had entered into a JV with Mahabharat Motors of Universal Success to manufacture two-wheelers on 44 acres of land.
Srinivasan said that on the remaining 56 acres, the JV would set up an auto ancillary unit.
Talks with vendors were on, he said.
"We are going to increase production of motorcycles at the Uluberia plant from 1600 units per year to 2.4 lakh units per year over a period of three years", TVS chairman Venu Srinivasan told reporters on the concluding day of Bengal Leads 2012 here today.
He said that total investment would around Rs 400 crore to be spent over three years.
Earlier, TVS had entered into a JV with Mahabharat Motors of Universal Success to manufacture two-wheelers on 44 acres of land.
Srinivasan said that on the remaining 56 acres, the JV would set up an auto ancillary unit.
Talks with vendors were on, he said.
KTM Duke 200 launched by Bajaj Auto at Rs 1.18 lakh
NEW DELHI: The country's second-largest two-wheeler maker Bajaj Auto on Tuesday launched a sports bike, 'Duke 200', from Austrian partner KTM's portfolio and said it plans to roll out three more products in as many years.
The domestic auto major is looking to strengthen its position as a sportsbike major in partnership with KTM and for this, it is converting its Probiking showrooms selling premium products across the country into KTM outlets.
"The launch of 'Duke' is one of the many steps in our association with KTM over the last five years. Between Bajaj Pulsar and KTM Duke, we intend to further strengthen our position in the sports motorcycle segment in India," Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj told reporters here. The company will launch at least one new KTM bike every year in India, he added.
The Duke 200 developed jointly by the two firms has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This is the first bike from their collaboration to be launched in India. Last year, a jointly developed 125-cc version of the Duke was launched in Europe.
All the KTM products for India will be assembled locally at BAL's facility in Chakan.
Talking about its future products, KTM Sportsmotorcycle AG Chief Executive Officer Stefan Pierer said: "Next year, we will launch a 350-cc bike and it will be followed by two more bikes in the next three years. So, it will be three bikes in three years."
BAL is already exporting India-assembled KTM bikes. It supplied around 11,000 units of the Duke 125 in 2011. "In a very short span of time, KTM will be the largest premium bike-maker in the world with entry into many mass markets like India and Malaysia. This year, we are expecting to double exports from India," Bajaj said.
KTM, which reported revenues of 526 million euros in 2011, sold over 81,000 units last year, compared to about 2,00,000 units by the world largest premium bike maker Harley Davidson, he added.
Elaborating on the domestic plans, Bajaj said: "Bajaj Auto has decided to sell the Duke through all 32 Probiking showrooms, which have now been transformed into exclusive KTM outlets. Besides, there will be 40 service centres dedicated only for KTM bikes."
As a result, all Bajaj branded products like the Pulsar 220 will no longer be sold at the former Probiking showrooms, but the Ninja models from Kawasaki will continue to be retailed from there, he added.
He said all the products from the foreign partner's stable will continue to be sold under the KTM marque as it is a specialist brand in the sports motorcycle segment.
The domestic auto major is looking to strengthen its position as a sportsbike major in partnership with KTM and for this, it is converting its Probiking showrooms selling premium products across the country into KTM outlets.
"The launch of 'Duke' is one of the many steps in our association with KTM over the last five years. Between Bajaj Pulsar and KTM Duke, we intend to further strengthen our position in the sports motorcycle segment in India," Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj told reporters here. The company will launch at least one new KTM bike every year in India, he added.
The Duke 200 developed jointly by the two firms has been launched at an introductory price of Rs 1.18 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). This is the first bike from their collaboration to be launched in India. Last year, a jointly developed 125-cc version of the Duke was launched in Europe.
All the KTM products for India will be assembled locally at BAL's facility in Chakan.
Talking about its future products, KTM Sportsmotorcycle AG Chief Executive Officer Stefan Pierer said: "Next year, we will launch a 350-cc bike and it will be followed by two more bikes in the next three years. So, it will be three bikes in three years."
BAL is already exporting India-assembled KTM bikes. It supplied around 11,000 units of the Duke 125 in 2011. "In a very short span of time, KTM will be the largest premium bike-maker in the world with entry into many mass markets like India and Malaysia. This year, we are expecting to double exports from India," Bajaj said.
KTM, which reported revenues of 526 million euros in 2011, sold over 81,000 units last year, compared to about 2,00,000 units by the world largest premium bike maker Harley Davidson, he added.
Elaborating on the domestic plans, Bajaj said: "Bajaj Auto has decided to sell the Duke through all 32 Probiking showrooms, which have now been transformed into exclusive KTM outlets. Besides, there will be 40 service centres dedicated only for KTM bikes."
As a result, all Bajaj branded products like the Pulsar 220 will no longer be sold at the former Probiking showrooms, but the Ninja models from Kawasaki will continue to be retailed from there, he added.
He said all the products from the foreign partner's stable will continue to be sold under the KTM marque as it is a specialist brand in the sports motorcycle segment.
KTM Duke 200 launched by Bajaj Auto at Rs 1.18 lakh
NEW DELHI: Bajaj Auto will convert its niche pro-biking stores across India into exclusive KTM stores to sell the newly launched sports bike, Duke 200 that comes at an invitation price of 1.17 lakh (ex-showroom) Delhi.
The country's second-largest two-wheeler maker holds a 40% stake in KTM Power Sports AG, Europe largest sports bike maker, and will distribute the high-end European bikes from existing 34 pro-biking showroom that would be done up with orange KTM livery and six new ones will added in 2012.
Besides, there would be 40 service centers dedicated for KTM bikes. Bajaj would assemble the new bike at its Chakan plant and market it across the country through KTM stores. The bikes can be booked across these outlets and deliveries would start from early February.
"We plan to establish KTM as a sporty motorcycle brand that would offer niche European features to Indian users. Between the Bajaj Pulsar and the KTM Duke, we intend to further strengthen our dominant position in the sports motorcycle segment in India," Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj said.
Following the multi-brand concept, Bajaj would continue to sell Kawasaki Ninja bikes through these KTM branded stores, but would shift its high-end bikes like the Pulsar 200 and Avenger cruiser range to regular Bajaj Auto dealerships that sells its other volume bikes.
The country's second-largest two-wheeler maker holds a 40% stake in KTM Power Sports AG, Europe largest sports bike maker, and will distribute the high-end European bikes from existing 34 pro-biking showroom that would be done up with orange KTM livery and six new ones will added in 2012.
Besides, there would be 40 service centers dedicated for KTM bikes. Bajaj would assemble the new bike at its Chakan plant and market it across the country through KTM stores. The bikes can be booked across these outlets and deliveries would start from early February.
"We plan to establish KTM as a sporty motorcycle brand that would offer niche European features to Indian users. Between the Bajaj Pulsar and the KTM Duke, we intend to further strengthen our dominant position in the sports motorcycle segment in India," Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj said.
Following the multi-brand concept, Bajaj would continue to sell Kawasaki Ninja bikes through these KTM branded stores, but would shift its high-end bikes like the Pulsar 200 and Avenger cruiser range to regular Bajaj Auto dealerships that sells its other volume bikes.
'World's cheapest car' tag backfires for Tata Nano
NEW DELHI: When Tata Motors launched the Nano in 2009, the concept of the " world's cheapest car" in one of the world's fastest growing auto markets seemed pre-destined for commercial success.
Logically, the strategy appeared faultless -- offering an affordable solution to millions of aspirational lower-middle class Indian families wanting to make the social and practical leap from two wheels to four.
But after several years of disappointing sales, it has now become clear that the snubnosed hatchback's unique selling point -- it's price -- was actually a commercial sticking point.
Rather than embracing the Nano, the status-conscious consumer base that was its prime target has largely shunned the "cheap" tag of the $2,800 vehicle and opted for slightly pricier rivals, or second-hand vehicles costing the same.
"A Nano is always bandied about as a poor man's car. Nobody wants to be caught with it," said Punnoose Tharyan, editor of India's Motown magazine.
Sales are far off the target of 25,000 cars a month, and the Nano plant, with an annual capacity 250,000 units, produces only 10,000 a month, according to R Ramakrishnan, business head of Tata Motors passenger cars.
"The car didn't project the right image," said automobile expert Murad Ali Baig. "Also, for the same cost as the Nano there are quite respectable second-hand cars -- with air conditioning."
The base model, sold without air conditioning which is a disadvantage in India's searing heat, costs 140,880 rupees ($2,800). The premium version -- air conditioning, central locking and power front windows -- is 196,959 rupees.
The Nano ran into trouble from the start when a land acquisition row forced Tata to abandon a nearly completed plant and build another, badly delaying production.
There were also safety concerns after a number of cars burst into flames.
Now Tata Motors, which also produces the British luxury Jaguar and Land Rover brands, has gone into damage control mode.
Tata boss Ratan Tata conceded this month that mistakes had been made, which had fuelled the perception of the Nano as a "poor man's" vehicle.
"Whatever stigma has been attached to it, we will undo," Tata said, insisting that the Nano had always been intended as an "affordable, all-weather, family car."
To get sales on track, Tata has given the car a makeover, making it available in more colours, including "champagne gold" and "papaya orange," and sprucing up the interiors while keeping prices unchanged.
It has also offered a "Tata Nano Happiness Guarantee", which more than doubles the car's warranty to four years from 18 months, and throwing in a maintenance contract for just 99 rupees a month.
It is offering "fast-track" financing for buyers wanting loans to purchase the car -- with loan approvals in 48 hours. Also, buyers can put down just 15,000 rupees ($300) to drive a Nano out of the showroom.
"Let's say at first it moved a little slowly in the market place, but now we have understood what the customer requirements are," said Tata Motors India managing director Prakash Telang.
And Telang remains convinced that the potential Nano market remains as vast as its makers originally predicted.
"Car penetration in India is 10 to 11 per 1,000 people as compared to Western economies where it is as high as about 400 per 1,000 people," Telang said. "The market will continue to grow rapidly."
Typical of the buyers Telang has in mind is Dira Singh, who has a wife and two children and recently upgraded from a motorcycle to a shiny blue Nano.
"The Nano was in my budget. It wasn't costly and that's why I took it," Singh said, standing proudly beside the vehicle. "It will protect my family."
Logically, the strategy appeared faultless -- offering an affordable solution to millions of aspirational lower-middle class Indian families wanting to make the social and practical leap from two wheels to four.
But after several years of disappointing sales, it has now become clear that the snubnosed hatchback's unique selling point -- it's price -- was actually a commercial sticking point.
Rather than embracing the Nano, the status-conscious consumer base that was its prime target has largely shunned the "cheap" tag of the $2,800 vehicle and opted for slightly pricier rivals, or second-hand vehicles costing the same.
"A Nano is always bandied about as a poor man's car. Nobody wants to be caught with it," said Punnoose Tharyan, editor of India's Motown magazine.
Sales are far off the target of 25,000 cars a month, and the Nano plant, with an annual capacity 250,000 units, produces only 10,000 a month, according to R Ramakrishnan, business head of Tata Motors passenger cars.
"The car didn't project the right image," said automobile expert Murad Ali Baig. "Also, for the same cost as the Nano there are quite respectable second-hand cars -- with air conditioning."
The base model, sold without air conditioning which is a disadvantage in India's searing heat, costs 140,880 rupees ($2,800). The premium version -- air conditioning, central locking and power front windows -- is 196,959 rupees.
The Nano ran into trouble from the start when a land acquisition row forced Tata to abandon a nearly completed plant and build another, badly delaying production.
There were also safety concerns after a number of cars burst into flames.
Now Tata Motors, which also produces the British luxury Jaguar and Land Rover brands, has gone into damage control mode.
Tata boss Ratan Tata conceded this month that mistakes had been made, which had fuelled the perception of the Nano as a "poor man's" vehicle.
"Whatever stigma has been attached to it, we will undo," Tata said, insisting that the Nano had always been intended as an "affordable, all-weather, family car."
To get sales on track, Tata has given the car a makeover, making it available in more colours, including "champagne gold" and "papaya orange," and sprucing up the interiors while keeping prices unchanged.
It has also offered a "Tata Nano Happiness Guarantee", which more than doubles the car's warranty to four years from 18 months, and throwing in a maintenance contract for just 99 rupees a month.
It is offering "fast-track" financing for buyers wanting loans to purchase the car -- with loan approvals in 48 hours. Also, buyers can put down just 15,000 rupees ($300) to drive a Nano out of the showroom.
"Let's say at first it moved a little slowly in the market place, but now we have understood what the customer requirements are," said Tata Motors India managing director Prakash Telang.
And Telang remains convinced that the potential Nano market remains as vast as its makers originally predicted.
"Car penetration in India is 10 to 11 per 1,000 people as compared to Western economies where it is as high as about 400 per 1,000 people," Telang said. "The market will continue to grow rapidly."
Typical of the buyers Telang has in mind is Dira Singh, who has a wife and two children and recently upgraded from a motorcycle to a shiny blue Nano.
"The Nano was in my budget. It wasn't costly and that's why I took it," Singh said, standing proudly beside the vehicle. "It will protect my family."
Low-cost amphibian car conceptualised by engg students
NAGAPATTINAM: Engineering students of a university in Thanjavur have designed two types of light weight, eco-friendly and low-cost cars, including an amphibian one capable of travelling on road and floating on water.
While one type of car runs on petrol and LPG, the other one is an electric car operated using a battery tapping solar energy, capable of travelling on road and water.
Two groups of final year engineering students of PRIST University, Thanjavur, have designed the cars in collaboration with Hi-Tech Project Industries, a private Engineering Services company at Tarangambadi in Nagapattinam district.
Both the cars have been fabricated using steel, Aluminium alloys, plastics and other locally available material and cost below Rs 35,000, researchers at Hi-Tech Project Industries, Tarangambadi said.
The electric car was designed by Rajendra Kumar, Nitesh Kumar, Sanjay Kumar, Abhishek Raj, Roopak Kumar, Sanjay Kumar Yadav and Chandrakanth. The car was capable of running on road as well as on water with a slight modification and could carry two persons, researchers said.
When it runs on water, it will act more like a boat. The car can run at a top speed of 30 kmph on road and at 15 kmph on water and is totally eco-friendly, they said.
The 110-CC petrol/LPG car weighing just 135-kg was designed by Alok Kumar, Amith Kumar, Ananth Kumar and Ajay Kumar. The car runs at a top speed of 50 kmph and is very fuel efficient at 65 km per litre of petrol,they claimed. When running on LPG, it gives a mileage of 110 km per kg.
Gear system and suspension mechanism in both the vehicles, had been meticulously designed, said Jayaraj, Murali and Balasundaram, researchers at Hi-Tech Project Industries.
District Collector T Munusamy visited Tarangambadi today and witnessed a demonstration of the cars.
While one type of car runs on petrol and LPG, the other one is an electric car operated using a battery tapping solar energy, capable of travelling on road and water.
Two groups of final year engineering students of PRIST University, Thanjavur, have designed the cars in collaboration with Hi-Tech Project Industries, a private Engineering Services company at Tarangambadi in Nagapattinam district.
Both the cars have been fabricated using steel, Aluminium alloys, plastics and other locally available material and cost below Rs 35,000, researchers at Hi-Tech Project Industries, Tarangambadi said.
The electric car was designed by Rajendra Kumar, Nitesh Kumar, Sanjay Kumar, Abhishek Raj, Roopak Kumar, Sanjay Kumar Yadav and Chandrakanth. The car was capable of running on road as well as on water with a slight modification and could carry two persons, researchers said.
When it runs on water, it will act more like a boat. The car can run at a top speed of 30 kmph on road and at 15 kmph on water and is totally eco-friendly, they said.
The 110-CC petrol/LPG car weighing just 135-kg was designed by Alok Kumar, Amith Kumar, Ananth Kumar and Ajay Kumar. The car runs at a top speed of 50 kmph and is very fuel efficient at 65 km per litre of petrol,they claimed. When running on LPG, it gives a mileage of 110 km per kg.
Gear system and suspension mechanism in both the vehicles, had been meticulously designed, said Jayaraj, Murali and Balasundaram, researchers at Hi-Tech Project Industries.
District Collector T Munusamy visited Tarangambadi today and witnessed a demonstration of the cars.
TVS Motor launches upgraded TVS Star City model
CHENNAI: TVS Motor Company Ltd, which manufactures two- and three-wheelers on Tuesday announced the launch of an upgraded version of its 110cc motorcycle TVS Star City.
In a statement, the company said the model will now be available with executive bike segment features like dual tone body colours, and an all-new stylish headlamp.
The bike will come in six new colour combinations.
"This new motorcycle is a winning combination of executive class features and vibrant styling. The backing of high fuel efficiency and toughness will make TVS Star City a much sought after motorcycle," H.S. Goindi, president - marketing, was quoted in the company statement as saying.
According to TVS Motor, under standard test conditions the model gives a mileage of 83.9 km per litre.
The base version TVS Star City 110cc starts at Rs. 38,650/- (ex Delhi) with a five-year warranty.
In a statement, the company said the model will now be available with executive bike segment features like dual tone body colours, and an all-new stylish headlamp.
The bike will come in six new colour combinations.
"This new motorcycle is a winning combination of executive class features and vibrant styling. The backing of high fuel efficiency and toughness will make TVS Star City a much sought after motorcycle," H.S. Goindi, president - marketing, was quoted in the company statement as saying.
According to TVS Motor, under standard test conditions the model gives a mileage of 83.9 km per litre.
The base version TVS Star City 110cc starts at Rs. 38,650/- (ex Delhi) with a five-year warranty.
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