Eicher Polaris JV launches its first automobile, Multix

Eicher Polaris, a 50:50 joint venture between Eicher Motors Ltd and Polaris Industries, unveiled a new category of automobile, Multix, in Jaipur on Thursday.

The joint venture has branded the new category of automobile as a personal utility vehicle targeting independent businessmen.

Powered by a diesel engine, Multix will be available in two variants and four colors, starting at a price of Rs. 2,32,850 (ex-showroom Jaipur). Its mileage is pegged at 28.45 kmpl.  It can easily accommodate a family of five along with luggage, the company claimed.

Commenting on the launch of the company's first vehicle, Radhesh C Verma, Chief Executive Officer, Eicher Polaris Pvt. Ltd. said, "Multix will be launched in 30 cities to start with. It will be available for test ride in July and deliveries will start in August."

The joint venture has invested Rs.350 crore towards product development and setting up a manufacturing facility at Jaipur, Rajasthan, Eicher Polaris JV said. 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 in-house paint system.

Multix is equipped with X-PORT - a unique power-take-off point, which can generate power of up to 3 KW that can be used for lighting homes and powering professional equipment such as drilling machines, DJ systems, water pumps and more.

Speaking at the launch of Multix, Siddhartha Lal, Managing Director & CEO, Eicher Motors Ltd., said, "We have identified a large untapped segment in Independent businessmen with an estimated population of 5.8 crores in India, and are committed to create a new and strongly differentiated automotive solution for them through Multix. Our aim is to equip the consumers with the Multix ecosystem and enable them to unlock their potential by accessing a world of new opportunities."

Commenting about the partnership and the vehicle, Mike Dougherty, Vice President, Asia Pacific & Latin America, Polaris Industries Inc., said, "When we came together to form Eicher Polaris Pvt. Ltd., we wanted to build on the synergies of our core competencies in order to bring a valuable and effective automotive solution to India." Multix has a tubular frame structure and Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS) that provides structural stability, the company said in a statement.