NEW DELHI
SHOW: Premier launches Rio compact SUV
One of India's lesser known
automakers - Premier - has attracted attention at Delhi Auto Expo 2012 as it
shows what will soon be India's first compact SUV, the Rio, a name Kia also
uses in some markets.
The automaker formerly known as
Premier Automobiles has previously operated joint ventures with Peugeot and
Fiat but returned to independence in 2004. Many old Premier-built Fiat taxis
are still in use on Indian roads.
"We have made an investment
of INR250 crore (about US$50m) to build a flexi platform for the Rio SUV, 1.5
tonne Roadstar light commercial and Sigma minivan," said Rakesh Mehta, who
heads Premier's auto division.
The SUV will be sold with Peugeot
diesel and AVL Austria petrol engines.
"Rio's compact size provides
the driveablity of a car and the safety of an SUV. Moreover, compact SUV is an
untapped segment," added Mehta.
Premier's Chinchwad, Pune plant
can make up to 50,000 units a year. The Rio will be launched next April