TVS Motor Forays Autorickshaw Mkt

Chennai: TVS Motor Company (TVSM) on March 9 formally unveiled its debutante autorickshaw TVS King, in LPG and petrol versions, marking its entry into the three-wheeler market. The on-road price of the vehicle ranges between Rs 90,000 and Rs 1.3 lakh, depending on the models and the State in which the vehicle is being sold. During 2008-09 the company WILL sell 30,000 units, which will comprise a four-stroke CNG version for places like Delhi. Within 18 months the company would notch up to 30 per cent market share. The company has created a dedicated facility, with an installed capacity of one lakh units per year at its Hosur factory, investing Rs 120 crore.

TVSM will be leveraging its existing distribution and service network in the country. TVS King will offer about 30 km per litre of petrol due to its new 200-cc, low friction 7-port engine. TVS King''s features comprise twin headlamps, large tail lamps, single larger area windshield with laminated glass. The interiors, which comprise instrument cluster, dual tone seats, bottle and magazine holders, are tweaked to match that of a car. TVSM has joined hands with few insurance companies for this and the policy would cover the owner and his family against medical care for up to Rs 30,000 per annum on a floater basis. The owner will additionally be covered by a personal accident policy for Rs 1 lakh.