Sonalika Group to launch its first sedan by 2012

Tractor, agri-implement and engine component maker International Cars & Motors Ltd (ICML) India has decided to enter the lucrative sedan segment in India. The first sedan by ICML is expected to be launched by mid-2012. Currently, ICML has one MUV offering ICML Rhino Rx in the passenger cars segment. The ICML Rhino Rx price range is Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 7.77 lakh and it has made its presence in India quite reasonably. ICML is popular for its Sonalika tractors.

As per a report, the sedan by ICML will be a premium segment car and would be priced around Rs 15 lakh and is expected to be launched by 2012 June-July. Reports also reveal that the upcoming ICML sedan will be powered by an improved 2L CRDi diesel engine. As per reports, L.D. Mittal, Chairman, Sonalika Group was quoted saying that the new sedan will be a sedan with international class premium features similar to European luxury sedans in India. It is also expected that the company will also introduce a new brand with its first new car.

Italian design firm Pininfarina that has designed cars for Ferrari, Maserati, Rolls-Royce and Jaguar is reportedly working closely with the company to develop the sedan. Meanwhile experts from European car industry are also pitching in their efforts to bring out the sedan that has premium sedan features at unbelievably low prices. The car is under development at the Pune facility of the company.

Reports have also come in that ICML is also planning to introduce a mid-segment sports Utility vehicle in the price range of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.Sonalika Group supplies diesel engines to General Motors for the Travera UV. As part of its global expansion plans, the company will be spending Rs 200 crore to expand its capacity in India besides developing facilities in Eastern Europe and Africa.