Force Motors, maker of light commercial vehicles, marked its entry into the passenger vehicle segment on August 19, 2011, with the launch of Force One SUV in India. A part of Force Motors Personal Vehicles Division venture, the Force One SUV bears a price tag of Rs. 10,65,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) and will compete with the Mahindra Scorpio and the Tata Safari.
For its SUV, Force Motors is using a drivetrain technology sourced from Mercedes-Benz. Force One is fitted with a 2.2 litre common rail turbo-diesel engine, and churns out 141 PS @ 3800rpm and 321 NM @1600 RPM. Though the motor is currently BS-IV ready it can also be tuned for BS-V norm. To ensure maximum safety for its passengers, Force One comes with Cathodic Electrolyte Dipping Coating to make its structure stronger. To name a few of its features the SUV are a steering mounted audio, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, reverse sensor, keyless entry, wooden finish panel and a 16 point multi information display. Force One is currently available with only a two-wheel drive option but the company plans to introduce a four-wheel drive option by 2012.
Mr. Prasan Firodia, Managing Director, Force Motors, commented that the designers and engineers worked on the ‘Force One’ to develop an SUV with focus on technologically advanced, great road presence, excellent ride and handling, immense space creating comfort at a very competitive price.
Force Motors aims to sell 4,000 units of its SUV in the year 2011 as its dealership network is currently limited to only a few cities, but the company has plans to have 22 outlets by September 2011, and will raise that number to 50 outlets by December 2011.