For the first time in 46 years, the GP-CK Birla group flagship Hindustan Motors is revving up to roll out a passenger car developed on a completely new platform.
The car will be positioned in the C to C-plus segment (Rs 5-10 lakh plus price bracket). HM has been working on the closely-guarded project for some time now, and the new car is likely to roll out of the factory by this December.
"We are working on a totally new platform, independent of the Ambassador. We are certainly not badging the Amby in a new look," said S Burman, vice-president, marketing, HM.
"We are not interested in the small car segment at the moment. Our new car is meant for the 'pampered' customer," he added. The car will be manufactured at the company's Uttarpara facility near Kolkata.
But that is not all. HM is also lining up four more new launches during the year. These include a multi-utility vehicle, a pick-up truck, a part-passenger-part-goods carrier and a light commercial vehicle.
HM will launch a hard-top MUV, which will also use a platform independent of the one used for its older soft-top MUVs, the Trekker and the Pushpak.
The MUV will essentially be a low-end offering and will compete with the base models of Tata Sumo and Mahindra Bolero.
The company will also make its presence felt in the fast-growing pick-up vehicle segment with a new offering there.
The company will formally launch its part-passenger-part-goods carrier, the Porter, by the end of October or early November.
HM is also considering a foray into the LCV market with a 6-tonner, though an official time frame for the launch has not yet been firmed up.
"We have decided to make our presence felt in every segment of the market. For now we have our hands full," Burman said.
Even the old Amby has been re-launched in a new avatar, the Ambassador Grand, with a host of new features.
© 2025 Rediff.com -