Above video features the Inspire; The video otherwise is irrelevant to the article
ICML (International Cars & Motors Limited) owned by the Sonalika Group of companies has announced that it will be launching a brand new SUV in the Indian Market in the near future. The company that is known for making tractors, farm equipment and its only passenger vehicle- the Rhino, now wants to launch more passenger vehicles in the very lucrative Indian market.
ICML displayed this SUV as a concept named ‘Inspire’ at the 2008 Auto Expo which was designed in collaboration with design studio Pininfarina. Back then the company said that this ‘World SUV’ would go into production by 2010 and would be manufactured at its Amb Plant in Himachal Pradesh.
The company said that they want to have presence in every segment of the passenger cars and this SUV would be the beginning. It also said that the platform of this SUV can also be used for a sedan. There is no concrete information on the powertrain and transmission options on this vehicle although we expect the 2.0 common rail Diesel engine from Sonalika (the one licensed to GMI for Tavera) to make it into this SUV.
The company might also look at exporting this vehicle. Sonalika is also planning to construct a plant in South Africa. The company also said they might look at foreign investments for their future models but currently they are in a comfortable cash position.
This new SUV will be bang in the Innova/Xylo/Scorpio/Safari territory and it will be interesting to see how fine a passenger vehicle ICML can make. The Rhino sells in minuscule numbers thanks to sparse sales and service outlets and a shoddy marketing system by the company. ICML will have to improve its dealership network and properly advertise this SUV to make it a success. Of course a good price tag and all the other necessary requisites for fighting the competition will be required. a Let us wait and watch.
Source - Financial Express
