Eicher-Polaris JV working on 600cc diesel LCV. Launch in 2015

Eicher Motors in partnership with US based Polaris Industries is working on a LCV suitable for India and other emerging markets. The product is reportedly under homologation and is expected to come in two versions — a double-cabin micro pickup and a multi-purpose van. The vehicle will be powered by 600 cc diesel engine and will take on the likes of Tata ACE, Mahindra Maxximo and Piaggio Porter.

The production of the new LCV is expected to start as early as May. The company is planning to make the LCV affordable in terms of ownership and running costs. The vehicle will be built on a tubular platform architecture that can easily be modified to suitable body styles and can cater the needs of small traders and farmers of rural area.

Eicher-Polaris joint venture LCV spy pic side

The Eicher-Polaris joint venture have already committed Rs 250 crore to the project. The vehicle is expected to use a lot of composite materials — as much as 20 kg of plastic is expected to go in.

Detailed engine specs are not available as of now but reports say that the 600cc diesel powering the Polaris-Eicher LCV will return 25 km to a litre of diesel. The power-mill will be sourced from Greaves Cotton.

The LCV will be produced at a new facility in Jaipur. For the first year, the company plans to make about 10,000-12,000 units, which will be scaled up to 1,00,000 units.