Force Signs Deal With Daimler To Build MPV

Published: Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 19:23 [IST]

Indian commercial vehicle manufacturer Force Motors is all set to expand its product line-up. The company has said it would enter the passenger vehicle segment in India by launching a new multi-purpose vehicle by 2012. The company is in talks with German auto giant Daimler AG, which owns the Mercedes-Benz brand, to sign licensing agreements for a transfer of technology. Force Motors has revealed that it will be building a new manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh where it will build the new MPV.

In its filing with the Bombay Stock Exchange, Force Motors has said: “Force is engaged in a dialogue with the Madhya Pradesh government to locate a new plant for the production of the MPV at Pithampur. The production of this new product is expected to commence towards the end of calender year 2012 with an initial capacity of approximately 24,000 vehicles per annum."

Force Motors currently uses a 2.2 litre engine supplied by MBtech Powertrain GmbH. There have been reports that Force Motors has already procured a license to use Daimler AG's 3-litre diesel engine for its soon to be launched Force One SUV. IF the deal with Daimler AG materialises, Force Motors will get access to the German auto major's wide variety of power trains and engines.

Force Motors has not confirmed the amount of investment it will be making in Madhya Pradesh. The company will be signing the licensing agreement with Daimler AG today according to which it will get a comprehensive supply of powertrain technology.

Force Motors will be using uprated version of the Mercedes-Benz's engines in the new MPV. The Force MPV will have an adaptable interior design so that it can be used as per the owner's requirements. Force has not elaborated much about its forth coming MPV. We expect the company to disclose more details during the launch of the Force One SUV.

Article Published On: Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 17:09 [IST]

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