Premier launches compact SUV RiO in India
The SUV Rio launched by Premier Ltd, is an attempt by the car maker to re-enter the Indian passenger vehicle market. This car, which can comfortably seat five people, would also have foldable split rear seats and a high ground clearance.
THE INDIAN car maker Premier Ltd, formerly known as Premier Automobiles Ltd, has re-entered the Indian passenger vehicle market with a compact SUV named RiO. The Premier RiO aims to cater to the segment between mid-size passenger cars and larger utility vehicles. The car was unveiled on Thursday, October 29, by Maitreya Doshi, Chairman and MD of the company.
The RiO can seat five people comfortably and is powered by Premier’s 1489cc turbo diesel engine based on Peugeot technology, delivering close to 65 BHP and a fuel efficiency of about 16 kms. per litre. The vehicle, based on a Daihatsu model, will be sourced from China through a component supply agreement with Zotye group.
The Indian company will assemble the RiO at its Pune plant and sell it through its dealer network in a phased roll out, starting with West and South India. The company currently has 30 dealers that it is expanding to 100 in the next six months, creating an all India network. Premier is beefing up its sales and service support and will be offering a three year warranty for the RiO. According to a company spokesman “Our spare parts pricing will not be a profit centre but rather provide customer service and delight”.
The RiO will retail in three versions, with the base model priced at around Rs 5.25 lakhs and the deluxe model at Rs six lakhs, making it nearly Rs 1.5 lakhs cheaper than other SUVs on the Indian roads. Initially, it will be available in red, white, silver, black and blue colours. All models come equipped with power steering, front power windows, central locking and a CD/MP3 player. There will be both AC and non AC versions. Higher models will have additional features like anti-lock breaking system (ABS) and alloy wheels.
It would also have foldable split rear seats, providing multiple seating configurations and a high ground clearance, enabling it to comfortably operate on all types of roads. Premier will commence deliveries in December 2009. The initial production has already commenced and the first cars are expected to hit selected dealer show rooms in the first week of November for customer display.
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