Auto India, Car India

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The auto Company seems to be high on the hybrids. Initially, Honda launched their Civil Hybrid model in Indian market and now the homegrown hybrids are due from Mahindra and Tata in next 3-years. Considering their capabilities of frugal engineering to the new lavel, M&M and

Tata Motors are building affordable hybrid vehicles. Looking at a hybrid bandwagon with their low-priced technologies, these 2-local majors are looking to roll out models which will price a fraction of Rs 21.5 lac (Ex-showroom, Delhi) that Civil Sedan (Honda) does. India’s first hybrid vehicle- Civil Hybrid was launched on Wed. It is completely imported from Japan and so attracts the high duty of over 100 percent.

The domestic majors are trying to develop an indigenous technology at very lower tax load. Thus, homegrown hybrids will have a very low cost.

Tata is supposed to launch a petrol and diesel fired hybrid technology on their flagship
prototype Indica. The smaller version of similar technology is also expected in a small car Nano.

We are still in the research phase and it will take some time to roll out hybrid vehicles. We have already launched our electric technology in the mini-truck ACE and its improved version will follow in the Indica and Indigo range of cars.

- Tata Motors executive said.

Mahindra & Mahindra is producing affordable hybrid edition mainly for their diesel vehicles, whichwill be in market in the next 2-years.

We are taking a totally different approach to developing the mechanical and electric hybrid technology. We are working on a new format of blending electronics, powerdrive, battery and software to develop an indigenised hybrid technology, ideal for Indian conditions. It is currently under trial and I cannot reveal its price. We plan to provide seamless alternative mobility solution to the customers at very competitive prices.

- Mr. Arun Jaura (M&M senior VP, R&D) told.

They already had showcased the hybrid ‘Scorpio’ at a Auto Expo 2008, New Delhi in Jan and is further working on to improve the technology for the commercial application.