Auto Expo 2020: Force Motors unveils three new platforms, a new Gurkha

Force Motors is the first Indian manufacturer to develop a next generation monocoque platform for vans from the ground-up

Showcased 3 new ground up platforms.
Force Motors has revealed its next-generation shared mobility platform
The Shared Mobility Solution will be shared in all its diesel and petrol variants
The T1N comes with large ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels and is powered by a BS6 compliant diesel engine

Pune-based automaker Force Motors has showcased their 51-seater monocoque bus, its T1N-Next Gen Shared Mobility Solution and three new platforms in the form of the Gurkha, the Cruiser and the Kargoking.

Force Motors also revealed its next generation shared mobility platform codenamed T1N. The company claims that it is the country's first next generation shared mobility platform that has been simultaneously designed and developed for both Internal Combustion engines and 100 per cent electric drive. Powering the T1N is more powerful BS6 compliant, common rail diesel engine that offers a peak torque of 350Nm. The platform will also offer BS6 CNG variant as well. Force Motors said that the T1N is the first vehicle in this category in the country offering crash and rollover compliance with airbags for driver and co-driver. In addition, T1N comes with large ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels with ABS, EBD, EDTC and ESP. Also on display is a 21-seater air-conditioned Traveller Smartcitibus. Force Motors also claims that its R&D team developed an in house 100% electric variant of its flagship bus, the Traveller.

Force Motors also revealed that the Gurkha, the Cruiser and the Kargoking will be offered in multiple wheel base options and body configurations since the new platform comes with new chassis, suspension, body and interiors. The new platform has been designed considering convenience, safety, ergonomics, drivability and passenger environment aspects. While the new Gurkha is crash compliant, gets improved NVH levels, switchable 4x4 modes, differential locks for all four tyres and dual airbags. It also gets an updated BS6 heart that produces 88bhp mated to a 5-speed gearbox. Not much has been revealed about the Cruiser though, all we know as of now is that the interiors are more spacious than before, more similar to a car, and NVH levels have been worked on as well.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Prasan Firodia, managing director, Force Motors said, “The customer expectations and aspirations are rapidly changing, we have tried to develop in house grounds up next generation platforms in all the segments that we operate in. We are confident that both domestic and international customers will welcome our new offerings.”

Force Motors, which is India's largest van manufacturer, has developed the T1N with global aspirations, eyeing launches in select markets in the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN and South America.

This new platform is currently undergoing final validation and homologation processes. A new state-of-the-art facility – that has a body shop with robotic and laser welding facilities – is being set up at the Pithampur works. These vehicles would be showcased at the upcoming Auto Expo 2020. The van is expected to go on sale by the end of the year. The Force Motors T1N vehicle is expected to be available by the end of 2020.

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