Pune''s Kumar Motors introduces indigenously designed three-wheelers

Mumbai: Pune-based 34 year-old Kumar Motors Pvt. Ltd. has introduced two one-ton three-wheelers models Agni, agoods carrier, and Parinda, an auto-rickshaw.

Announcing the launch Rajeev K Nair, managing director, Kumar Motors, said, "This launch is the result of painstaking efforts to realise a long-held urge to innovate and excel. Engine power and fuel efficiency apart, the three-wheelers follow the best aerodynamic principles, mounted on a rugged tubular chassis, a first in this class in India, with a soft PU steering wheel making for effortless maneuverability in crowded, narrow lanes and comfort bolstered by independent front and back spring suspension and ergonomically designed seats. The three-wheeler segment in India is one of the most challenging, yet little tapped, and it is our endeavor to give the country a vehicle which is unmatched in its category in terms of style, driving comfort, chassis, suspension and load carrying ability. The fact that we have succeeded in doing so is a tribute to our engineers and designers."

The two models are powered by a fully integral, 9-hp, single-cylinder 4-stroke IDI diesel engine with a low emission advanced power pack engine offering high fuel economy and low operating cost. The 4-forward transmission, makes maneuverability effortless in crowded lanes and bye lanes.

Kumar Motors has a set up a facility at Pirangut, Pune, with a capacity to manufacture and assemble 20,000 3-wheelers per annum and will cater mainly to Maharashtra and the western region, including Goa. The company also plans to set up similar facilities in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.

The company is ISO 9001-2000-certified and is one among the handful of suppliers chosen by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. for its orders for manufacturing parts for defense related projects.

The company was started as an auto dealership in 1972 by ex-serviceman, E R Kumar, its chairman.