New Ambassador Encore: HM launches BS-IV compliant diesel at Rs.4.97 lakh
Hindustan Motors Ltd. (HM) has officially launched its new BS-IV compliant diesel Ambassador, Ambassador Encore. Bookings for the vehicle begin on September 2, and it carries a price tag of Rs 4,97,996 (ex-showroom, Kolkata).
It has been introduced as part of the 'no-refusal' taxi segment. Buyers who will buy it in exchange for old taxis will be able to avail discounts. Recently, the West Bengal government introduced a concept where taxis cannot refuse customers, and have 'no-refusal' printed on them. About 2,000 permits were also recently issued for the no-refusal taxi segment. Another set of 2,000 similar permits is expected to be released in November.
HM made significant investments in terms of both money and manpower to upgrade the BS-III 1.5-litre diesel engine to BS-IV standards and OBD 2 level. The new Ambassador develops higher power and torque, has better vehicle control with power steering, gets improved gradient negotiating capacity and offers better overall driveability with fuel efficiency. The BS-IV engine also checks the emissions issue. . It fully matches the technical specifications provided and certified by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
Hindustan Motors' Sales Head, Chandan Bose, announced the price at a meeting of office-bearers of the state's different taxi associations. Leaders of the taxi organisations, who had extensively tested the vehicle even before its recent certification as BS-IV compliant, have endorsed the new vehicle's features and value for money.
"It is a game-changing offer from HM which has always accorded highest priority to customers' needs and purchasing power. It has also chosen not to pass on the expenditure to customers. Through value engineering and cost-efficient manufacturing, HM is able to offer Ambassador Encore at this amazingly low price without any compromise on quality," said Uttam Bose, MD and CEO, HM.