VEN as an electric car is trying to find its space in the crowded conventional fuel driven automotive market, the Bangalore-based REVA Electric Car Co (RECC) has brought out a prototype of its latest offering, a convertible model.
This is the fourth offering from the stable of RECC since it launched its entry model in June last year. The convertible, named REVA Zephyr is expected to hit the roads by September next. At a preview of the model here, Mr. Sudarshan Maini, Chairman of the Maini Group said, "we hope to sell 200 cars after it is formally launched."
At a press conference to announce the Zephyr prototype and a new fully loaded REVA Classe, Mr. Maini said the Classe had been redesigned with remote controlled air-conditioning, central locking and leather upholstery Priced at Rs. 2,99,550. a good Rs. 50,160. more than the entry model, it has been positioned between REVA A/C (Rs. 2,79,500) the REVA Standard model.
The remote controlled A/C operates on a standalone motor and hence does not affect the fully battery operated REVA. This will give car owners the facility of getting into a pre-cooled vehicle, a boon in the hot summer months, Mr. Chetan Maini, Managing Director of RECC said.
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RECC, which has so far sold about 300 cars in India, hopes to tap the export market soon with a few countries such as Malta, UK and the US evincing keen interest. Early this month RECC had signed an agreement with a UK company for marketing the vehicle.
Mr. Chetan Maini said the company had been coming out with new offerings in response to customer feedback. This had prompted the company to embark on the convertible as well.
REVA convertible carrying a price tag of Rs. 3,75,000. was the higher end model from the RECC stable and would undergo further customization as per the preferences of the customers before eventually being launched, Mr. Sudarshan Maini said.
Asked whether the prohibitive price of Zephyr would attract buyers. Mr. Sudarshan Maini said, "The same car in any other country
would cost more than double this price".
RECC is part of Maini Group, a diverse conglomerate engaged in the manufacture of high precision automotive components and in-plant electric material handling equipment. The company has a joint venture with AEVT, USA.
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