Lotus Global International, a subsidiary of the Alpine Group, has been appointed sole authorised distributor of Micro four-wheelers in Nepal. And to mark the occasion, the company on Sunday rolled out two new automobiles from Micro, the MX7 sedan and the MP III minivan.
Dr. Lawrence Parere, chairman of Micro Cars, unveiled the vehicles amid a programme. Lotus has also opened an exclusive showroom at Uttar Dhoka, Lazimpat. The Micro is manufactured by Micro Cars, the only automobile maker in Sri Lanka.
“We want to create brand awareness through these two vehicles,” said Biju Bajracharya, executive director of Lotus. “We are planning to come up with other vehicles from the company after studying the response in the market.” However, the company has already planned to roll out an SUV from Micro in the next three months and a hatchback car within six months. “We have sold four units of Micro sedan cars before the model was formally launched. This has boosted our morale.” Speaking at the ceremony, Parera said, “These automobiles will win the hearts of the Nepali people in a short span of time because of the style, comfort, luxury, durability, spacious interior, low-fuel consumption, value for money and cheap and easily available spare parts and after sales service.”
According to the company, the automobiles from Micro have been well received in Sri Lanka and the global market wherever they have been exported. Before Nepal, Micro automobiles have been marketed in South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sudan and other countries. “The company is now looking for a suitable chance to launch the Micro in the European market,” said Bajracharya.
The MX7 sedan from Micro is equipped with a four-cylinder, four-stroke, in-line, water cooled, 16-valve, single overhead camshaft DA4G18 Mitsubishi engine. With a displacement of 1,584 cc, the engine delivers a maximum power of 7402 KW at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 133.4 NM at 4,500 rpm. The car is equipped with MacPherson front and multi-link suspension. Likewise, its top speed is 180 km per hour. According to the company, the car has been targeted at corporate executives.
The MX7 also comes with MGH-25 antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution system (EBD), hydraulic power steering, factory fitted air conditioner, remote central door lock system, front-rear electric power window, FM radio/CD player with six speakers, high mounted brake lamp, electric rear-view mirror, rear row seat headrest, rear defogger, luggage lamp and chrome like interiors. “The car boasts all the features of any other luxury sedan available in the domestic market,” said Bajracharya.
Likewise, the MP III minivan has a four-cylinder, four-stroke, in-line, water cooled DA465Q-1A engine. With a displacement of 1,051 cc, the engine delivers a rated power of 38.5 KW at 5,200 rpm and a maximum torque of 83 NM at 3,000-3,500 rpm. “The minivan has a fashionable dashboard, dual air conditioner system, crystal clear head lamps, grill radiators and front fog lamps which makes it a better option compared to similar automobiles available in the domestic market,” said Bajracharya. The minivan comes in five to eight seating options and has a top speed of 110 km per hour.
According to Bajracharya, the minivan has been targeted at the commercial market. “We are hopeful that the automobile will go well with schools, tour and travel agencies, department stores and medium class traders,” said Bajracharya. “Families are also our targeted customers.”
The MX7 sedan costs Rs 2.25 million to Rs 2.52 million and the MP III minivan Rs 1.35 million to Rs 1.59 million. According to Lotus Global International, prices vary depending on the luxury and safety facilities and accessories.(Source:ekantipur)
