Micro to export SUVs
SHIRAJIV SIRIMANE
Micro Cars will export their locally assembled Kyron sports utility
vehicle to India next year.
|
Dr. Lawrence Perera |
|
The Kyron |
Managing Director of the Company Dr. Lawrence Perera said they have
already sent test vehicles to India and the response was very good.
"There is a demand for quality SUVs in India," he said.
He said the company had invested Rs. 300 million in the last six
months for factory expansion and to expand their plant in Polgahawela.
"This has helped to increase production," he said.
Dr. Perera thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa for initiating
Government sector car permit holders to purchase the Kyron vehicle duty
free.
"This is a step taken in the right direction," he said. President
Rajapaksa while distributing the first 10 vehicles to the Government
sector said that he likes to promote local enterprises. The move by the
Government sector to purchase locally manufactured vehicles would also
help to save foreign exchange.
He said they are now in a position to manufacture 50 units per month.
"This is why we are going in for exports," he said.
Micro cars would also re-launch their Micro car from next February
with additional features. "It would be with a 1000 cc engine and would
come as a hatch back model," he said.
The Micro Mini would also have 60 per cent value addition, which is
an increase of 20 percent.
The car is produced with a reinforced composite body and galvanised
chassis. Composite body manufacturing requires no expensive high tech
machinery or robotics. Chassis are also hand made and coated with
galvanise to give a warranty of 15 years. "This is the reason for the
vehicle to be low priced," he said.
Since the launch in 2003, the samples were well accepted in the
market.
Being the pioneers in designing, developing and manufacturing
National car for our people, the project is viewed with national
interest.
Sri Lankan's are proud to have a car manufacturing facility in their
soil.
When Micro Car, initially commenced operations they had severe set
backs as the Registrar of Motor Vehicles failed to recognise the vehicle
while there was a duty imposed.
These problems are now ironed out and the company manufactures around
300 vehicles which include cars, SUVs and Micro vans for the local
market. |
