ICML launches upgraded Rhino, to introduce 'World Car'

New Delhi, Jan 7 (UNI) The International Cars and Motors Ltd (ICML) today launched its upgraded version of its 100 bhp MUV 'Rhino Rx', with prices starting from Rs six lakh.

The new Rhino Rx has a 2,000cc, BS III compatible diesel engine with four-cylinder direct injection, a maximum power of 100 bhp (3600rpm) with a maximum torque of 220 Nm (2,400rpm).

''We are located in the tax free zone with no excise duty and income tax for the next ten years. This enables us to save about Rs two lakh per vehicle and this we pass on to the consumers in terms of low price of our car,'' company Chairman L D Mittal said.

The company has its plant in Amb (Himachal Pradesh) with an installed capacity of 24,000 vehicles a year.

''We are taregtting sales figure of 5,000 units this fiscal end and from next fiscal we expect to sell 24,000 Rhino's throughout the country,'' said comapny Managing Director Deepak Mittal.

The car will be available in the city by February and the older version of the car, which it had unveiled in July 2007 has been withdrawn.

The company has roped in 170 dealers for its sales and after sales services and has 45 such dealers already operational.

ICML now has plans to launch a 'World Car' by 2010 in collaboration with Italy-based Pininfarnia.

Pininfarina is an Italian car design firm and coachbuilder in Turin, founded in 1930. Over the years the company has been employed by many automobile manufacturers, notably Ferrari, Maserati, Cadillac, Nash, Peugeot, Jaguar, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, MG, Cisitalia, and Lancia.

''The company will produce a family of vehicles that will include a SUV and a high end luxury car,'' said the Managing Director.

Mr Mittal added that the SUV will be in the C segment, and will be launched at an international motor show.

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