Can't afford Merc? Drive in a luxury auto

Chennai, Feb 2 (UNI) A 26-year-old autorickshaw driver from Aminjikarai in the city has converted his autorickhaw into a luxury 'sedan.' The vehicle comes with a DVD player, a drop down screen, a 750-Watt ampliflier and an air-cooler.

Fully operated by a remote, the suspension has been overhauled and the exhaust muffled with a modified silencer.

To give it a cool interior, the autorickshaw has tinted windshield. Some cosmetic changes include changing the shape of the mudguard, using nickel for wheels and handlebar.

A neon bulb has been fitted under the chasis to give variegated feel during movement.

''The paint job was difficult because I changed it thrice to get the exact 'gold computer metallic' colour,'' Abu told UNI.

''I spent more than a Rs one lakh for the modifications which include Rs 30,000 for video and amplifier, Rs 20,000 for special cushion, Rs 10,000 for nickel plating and painting.

''The rest I spent for special MRF tyres, a Sumo battery and fluroscent stickers,'' he added.

Abu's autorickshaw forms part of the fleet at the Annai Therasa Auto Stand at Shanthi Colony.

The mechanic, who doubles up as auto driver, does not charge in extra from the passengers for the dream ride.

Interestingly, they could ask for any movie or a song of their choice during their journey.

''I play only original CDs to my passengers,'' he said adding ''I always take minimum 50 CDs, which include movies and songs from different Tamil cinemas.

''To satisfy non-locals, I carry some of Hindi and English songs too. I drive the auto only in the evenings and most of my customers call me to their door steps.'' Now, the man is busy attending new customers, not the passengers, but those who want to modify there autos in similar fashion.

His creativity has not gone unnoticed with Abu flooded with enquiries to churn up more luxury autrickshaws.

''It is painstaking job. It takes minimum three to four months to do the modification job,'' he pointed out.

Abu is also planning to set up a big unit in the future to undertake such modification works.

UNI