The Orbit clock maker Ajanta Limited planning to launch Rs 1 lakh car in the Indian auto market. They will launch the cars under the brand name ‘Oreva’ is which derived from the names of Ajanta’s founder OR Patel and his wife Revaben, is an existing brand for its tiles.
Ajanta Group director Jaysukh Patel refused to comment on his acquisition plans. He, however, said: “We have not yet decided on it, but are seeking the government support, so that we can develop cheaper vehicles for the Indian market.” VAT and excise duty put together make almost a fourth of the total manufacturing costs of the vehicle. “If the costs are lowered, we are capable of manufacturing battery-powered cars at Rs 1 lakh or less,” he said.
Mr Patel, along with his father and uncle Manubhai Patel (who now runs the Samay Group), had launched Ajanta clocks in the early 1980s. He stunned the market with sub-Rs 100 clocks, has already designed a prototype of the vehicle and is personally driving it around on his 400-acre manufacturing facility near Morbi, near Rajkot. The prototype runs 120 kms per one charge of 7 units of electricity, costing nearly Rs 35 per charge.
“We have designed more than 10 battery-powered cars of four-seater and six-seater capacity and are testing them now,” said Mr Patel. He also claimed that the six-seater would cost nearly Rs 1.5 lakh, while four-seater can be available at Rs 1 lakh.
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