Premier launches compact SUV in India

Oct 29, 2009 – The RiO seats 5 people comfortably and is powered by Premier’s 1489cc turbo diesel engine based on Peugeot technology delivering close to 65BHP 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 Chinese manufacturer that sells close to 100,000 units per annum of this model from its modern plant near Shanghai, China. Premier 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 6 months thereby creating an all India network. Premier is beefing up its sales and service support and will be offering a 3 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 3 versions with the base model priced at around Rs.5.25 lacs and the deluxe model at Rs.6 lacs, both prices are ex-showroom Pune, making it nearly Rs.1.5 lacs cheaper than other SUVs on the Indian roads. Initially, the RiO will be available in red, white, silver, black and blue colours. All models come equipped with power steering, front power windows, central locking and CD/MP3 player. There will be both A/C and non-A/c versions. Higher models will have additional features like anti-lock breaking system (ABS) and alloy wheels. In 2000 it discontinued its Premier Padmini production temporarily withdrawing from the passenger vehicle segment. Currently it manufactures a diesel van known as SIGMA with ambulance, tourist taxi, school bus etc. variants. Similarly Premier Ltd. also manufactures a 1.5 ton LCV called as Roadstar with several variants. The RiO marks Premier’s re-entry into the passenger vehicle sector. Website: – www.premier.co.in

[Source: Premier]