Diesel, CNG variants of i10 on Hyundai radar
Hyundai Motors India Ltd (HMIL) is evaluating the feasibility of introducing a diesel and a CNG variant of its compact new offering - i10. The petrol version of the small car is presently being manufactured for domestic and export markets at its recently inaugurated second plant within its existing plant here. The new ultra modern plant would be fully commissioned by 2009, HMIL would be capable of producing 6,00,000 units per year, doubling its present capacity of 3,00,000 units per annum. The new pant has been set up as a global manufacturing hub for all small cars in Hyundai's stable. Ashok Jha, president, HMIL, said presently the new plant running was running a single shift and on an average it was producing 400 cars a day. Around 25,000 units had rolled out ever since the i10 model was launched few months ago. He said Santro, the lowest price in Hyundai's stable, continues to be the most popular model. "We will continue to produce Santro. Depending upon the customers' feedback and surveys, we are constantly improvement wherever required,' Jha stated. HMIL officials confirmed that the new plant had been set up by the leading Korean car manufacturer keeping in mind the growing segment of the small cars, especially after showcasing of Nano by Tata Motors. Already 40 per cent of the cars being rolled up from the existing facility were being exported. Jha was, however, non-committal about the deadline for developing a smaller car than Santro. On the new models to be launched this year, the company has announced to introduce the i20 model in the mid-size segment and Santa Fe in SUV segment. Both products to be rolled out by the end of 2008 would be available in the domestic and export markets. Santa Fe was popular in the US. Hyundai has also decided to phase out the Elantra. The company has invested Rs 1,419 crore in the second plan.