EICHER POLARIS MULTIX
The Flexituff is a result of a collaboration between Eicher Motors and U.S.-based Polaris Industries. The LCV will, reportedly, be manufactured in a twin-cab passenger variant, and a single-cab load-lugging model.
The Flexituff is a result of a collaboration between Eicher Motors and U.S.-based Polaris Industries. The LCV will, reportedly, be manufactured in a twin-cab passenger variant, and a single-cab load-lugging model.
The Eicher-Polaris joint venture has launched its very first product in the form of the Multix. The Multix will be available in two variants and four colours, starting at a price of Rs. 2,32,850/- (ex-showroom Jaipur). Earlier believed to be named the "Flexituff", the Multix has been labelled a "personal utility vehicle" i.e. it can be used by private license holders as well. It has been developed with an investment of Rs. 350 Crore till date.
The amount invested includes the cost of setting up the manufacturing facility near Jaipur, Rajasthan. The plant has an annual capacity of 60,000 units, which can be scaled up to 1,20,000 units. The facility is also equipped with robotic weld lines and an in-house paint system.
Eicher-Polaris has specially designed the Multix for small business owners / small scale traders, that have an estimated population of 5.8 Crore in India. Eicher-Polaris claims to have given the Multix enough cabin space for 5 passenger + luggage. The vehicle offers a maximum storage space of 1,918 litres with the rear seats folded down. The Multix is also equipped with X-PORT i.e. a power source which can generate an output of up to 4 BHP, that can be used for powering professional equipment such as drilling machines and water pumps.
The Multix has a tubular frame structure, roll-over protection system (ROPS), a "pro-ride" independent suspension system, 225 mm of ground clearance and a "Flexituff" high durability body. The Multix has undergone over 18 lakh kms of testing in a variety of terrain conditions, in the USA as well as India.
Power comes from a BSIII, 4-stroke, single cylinder, 510.7cc diesel engine that makes 9.8 BHP @ 3,000 rpm and 27.1 Nm of torque from 1,400-2,200 rpm. Transmission duties are carried out by a 4-speed manual gearbox. Claimed fuel economy comes in at 28.45 km/l.
The Multix will be launched in 30 cities to begin with. It will be available for test drives in July and deliveries will begin in August.