Mumbai , January 08, 2010: BSA Motors, a Strategic Business Unit of Tube Investments of India (TII) which is part of the Rs. 15,907 crores Murugappa Group, launched its next generation electric scooter ‘Edge’ at the 10th Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi. Alongwith this launch, the company also unveiled India’s first electric scooter designed especially for the differently-abled – ‘Roamer Able’. Besides, the company also showcased the technological might with a display of several electric scooters and fast charging systems from their stable.
Edge, the newest addition in the company’s e-scooter portfolio, will be attractively priced at Rs. 35, 500 (ex-showroom price Delhi) and is available in 4 attractive colours. With Roamer Able, the company has introduced an in-built reverse mechanism (first time ever in India) which enables the rider to reverse the vehicle with the ease of a switch. Roamer Able will be launched in the Indian market by the end of the month and will be priced at Rs. 35, 300 (ex-showroom price Delhi). It will be available in four eclectic colours.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. K.B. Srinivasan, Vice President, BSA Motors said, “BSA Motors is taking various steps to improve the performance, reliability and riding experience of electric scooters in India. We are working on more efficient motors, reliable electronics & batteries, an ergonomic vehicle design that will usher in next generation e-scooters in India. Our new product ‘Edge’ is in line with this approach. Also, with Roamer Able, we aim to reach to the target group of the disabled and thereby bring them into the mainstream. The scooter comes with innovative features such as a holder for crutches and a Rear Brake Lock to park the scooter on slopes alongwith a vehicle reverse switch – all to ensure safe and comfort ride for the differently-abled.”
“We see huge potential in this market segment and remain bullish this year too. We would be investing approx. Rs. 20 crore in R&D facilities to further upgrade our products and services. We also plan to spread our base to 15 states across India from the present eight states. Moreover, we would be increasing our number of stores from 80 to 200 this year,” he added.
Edge has a motor rated power of 1250 watts (highest in its category) and a motor peak power of 1600 watts. The company had earlier launched electric scooters with the range of maximum 1000 watts. Edge also has a new and unique feature of a ‘speed selection switch’, wherein the rider can switch to power mode (speed) or economy mode (mileage) while riding. It also boasts of a revolutionary ‘planetary geared motor technology’ which gives the scooter better torque, better acceleration as well as better climbing capacity. A family scooter, Edge requires just six-eight hours of battery charge time.
The first of its kind in India, Roamer Able has an independent rear suspension which offers the rider a stable ride & provides adjustable rear shock absorbers for a smooth ride. It also comes with a ‘speed selection switch’ and has a motor power of 500 watts. Roamer Able can reach a maximum speed of 40 kmph in power mode and 25 kmph in economy mode. Its unique reversing feature makes parking easier for the differently-abled. The battery is completely maintenance free and takes approximately six to eight hours of recharge time.
Presently, the company is in the early stages of developing ‘advanced motor controller technology’ which aims to provide higher speed, power and efficiency to their products.
At the Auto Expo 2010, BSA Motors has also showcased its existing line of products – Smile, Diva, Street Rider, Roamer (NXG) and Roamer (NUO).
About BSA Motors; Headquartered in Chennai, the Rs.15,907 crores (USD 3.14 billion) Murugappa Group is one of India’s leading business conglomerates. Market leaders in diverse areas of business including Engineering, Abrasives, Finance, General Insurance, Cycles, Sugar, Farm Inputs, Fertilizers, Plantations, Bio-products and Nutraceuticals, its 29 companies have manufacturing facilities spread across 13 states in India. The organization fosters an environment of professionalism and has a workforce of over 32,000 employees. The Group has forged strong joint venture alliances with leading international companies like DBS Bank, Mitsui Sumitomo, Foskor, Cargill and Groupe Chimique Tunisien has consolidated its status as one of the fastest growing diversified business houses in India.
