Eicher Polaris Pvt. Ltd., a 50:50 joint venture between Eicher Motors Ltd. and Polaris Industries Inc., has launched the Multix utility vehicle (UV). Positioned as India’s first personal utility vehicle (PUV), the Multix is targeted at independent businessmen and seats five people apart from offering cargo space of up to 1,918 litres, with the rear bench folded away. X-PORT power take off (PTO), which generates up to 3 kW, and can be used for lighting homes and powering professional equipment (like drilling machines, DJ systems and water pumps). Multix is powered by a Greaves four-stroke single-cylinder BS3-compliant 511 cc diesel engine developing 9.92 PS at 3,000 rpm and 27.1 Nm at 1,400-2,200 rpm. The company claims a mileage of 28.45 kmpl under test conditions.
Speaking on the occasion, Siddhartha Lal, MD and CEO, Eicher Motors Ltd., said that the untapped segment of independent businessmen was the target of the, “new and strongly differentiated automotive solution,” in the form of the Multix. The total investment in the project so far is Rs.350 crore.
Mike Dougherty, VP, Asia Pacific and Latin America, Polaris Industries Inc., averred that the partnership sought to, “build on the synergies of our core competencies in order to bring a valuable and effective automotive solution to India”.
The Multix is equipped with an independent suspension system, and has a 225 mm ground clearance. Tubular frame structure, roll-over protection system (ROPS) and a Flexituff body.
Commenting on the launch, Radhesh C Verma, CEO, Eicher Polaris Pvt. Ltd., said, “The Multix is a true ground up innovation, where all aspects of value proposition delivery – encompassing the vehicle, its accessories, the retail experience, and the service – have been duly considered and set norms have been challenged.”
Initially to be launched in 30 cities, deliveries of the Multix will commence in August. The vehicle has reportedly been tested for the equivalent of over 18,00,000 km for off-road reliability, safety and durability.
The Multix will be manufactured at a new facility at Kukas, Rajasthan. Spread over 25 acres this facility has an annual capacity of 60,000 units, scalable to 1,20,000 units, outfitted with robotic weld lines and an in-house paint system.
The Multix will be available in two variants – AX+ (open doorways and storage space) and MX (full doors and windows, optional rear cover). The AX+ is priced at Rs.2.32 lakh and the MX at Rs.2.72 lakh (both ex-showroom Jaipur). It will be available in four colours – Red, White, Silver and Yellow.
