PTI reported that Maharashtra based engine maker Cooper Corporation will launch light commercial vehicles under its own brand by the middle of next year.

Mr Farrokh Cooper CMD of Cooper Corporation at the ongoing 11th Auto Expo said that “Work is underway. We will be rolling out LCVs in the next 18 months.”

He said that the company plans to roll out a range of vehicles varying between 1 to 10 tonne using its own engine at a very competitive price adding that even hybrid vehicles would be part of the offering going forward.

To begin with, the LCV either loads carriage or passenger vehicle, will be 2 cylinder, 3 tonne vehicle from the Satara plant. The company has already made an investment of INR 300 crore to roll out its LCV.

Asked about the distribution strategy, Mr Cooper said it has started to look out for franchise dealership tie up for selling its LCVs. For genset sales the company already has 50 dealers in the country.

Besides, the company also launched a four cylinder engine. The engine will be produced both for genset and other fixed speed applications as well as variable speed vehicle applications.

At present the company manufactures 2,000 units per month used for farm equipment, marines and automobiles. The company, which recently started export its engine to the US and Africa, expects turnover to cross INR 300 crore.

(Sourced from PTI)