Pune based automotive major Force Motors (India’s largest van maker) puts on a formidable display with three grounds-up new platforms. Also, on display is a 100% electric variant on their flagship Traveller platform. In addition to showcasing complete vehicles, Force Motors displayed the range of engines produced for leading world majors like Mercedes, BMW and Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
The star attraction of the stall is no doubt the next generation shared mobility platform that was unveiled a fortnight back at Pune. Code named the T1N, this new platform has been simultaneously designed and developed for both Internal Combustion Engines and 100% Electric Drive. Both the Diesel and the 100% electric variant are on display.
The T1N is the first vehicle in this category in the country offering crash compliance with air bags for driver and co-driver. With a score of segment first features the T1N will help reinforce the leadership position of Force Motors in the large van segment.
The T1N platform has been developed with global aspirations, it is design protected for plying in select markets of Middle East, Africa, ASEAN and South America where the T1N is expected to be an excellent value proposition vis a vis high premium products from Europe, Far East and USA.
Also, on display are two buses built on the next generation modular monocoque bus platform which has been fully developed in house by the R&D team at Force Motors. On account of its monocoque construction, these buses are the lightest and yet structurally stronger than comparable buses offering superior fuel economy. On account of the monocoque construction and C.E.D full body immersion process for primer application these buses offer best in class durability. A 51-seater (first of its kind) and the school bus variant of the 33-seater Traveller Monobus range are on display.
The popular people mover in the hinterland TRAX gets a total makeover. Three variants on this grounds-up next generation modular utility vehicle platform were unveiled.
A people mover variant – CRUISER
A cargo variant – KARGOKING
An Off-road/ Recreational variant – GURKHA
Gurkha BS6 variant was a BS6 motor making 90 BHP of power with revised suspension and chassis. Knobbly tyres on large wheels, snorkel seen as standard along with spare tyre mounted in the back. Interior had a two-din interior. The seating was 3+ driver but there were two jump seats in the back as well.
All the above variants are modular in nature with multiple wheel base options and body configurations. This new platform comes with an all new chassis, suspension, body and interiors. This platform has been developed keeping in mind all aspects of convenience, safety (crash compliance), ergonomics, drivability and passenger environment.
Also, on display is the Traveller SMARTCITIBUS operated by B.E.S.T. that is bringing about a paradigm shift in the way commuters in Mumbai cover the last mile. These air-conditioned buses with comfortable seating for 21 persons are being preferred by the commuters over the shared autos, shared taxis, traditional large buses to move from their residence to the metro station and place of work.
This is just the beginning of how Force next-gen shared mobility platforms will transform commuting in urban India in the near future. Many other cities like Shillong, Nagpur, Pune and Port Blair are already using Traveller Smartcitibuses.
Force Motors R&D team has also developed in house a 100% electric variant of the flagship brand TRAVELLER. These buses are specially designed for last mile inner city connectivity with overnight charging.
Force Motors is the only company in the world producing engines ranging from 150hp to 1050hp for premium brands like the Mercedes, BMW and Rolls-Royce Power Systems. These engines were also showcased by Force Motors.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors said, “The customer expectations and aspirations are rapidly changing, we have tried to develop in house grounds up next generation platforms in all the segments that we operate in. We are confident that both domestic and international customers will welcome our new offerings.”
