Eyeing the current slowdown in the car market, ICML (International Cars & Motors Limited) has postponed its plans to introduce small car in India. Supposed to be marketed in Europe, U.S. and India, the ICML’s world car was earlier expected by 2010.
The company feels that it is not the right time to introduce the cars as the industry is under the strain of tremendous recession. Hence, it has deferred its world car project which focused on export and domestic market. However, the plan to introduce a concept car ‘Inspire’ unveiled at the 2008 Auto Expo in India is going well and is expected to arrive by 2010.
The company is working with the Italian design house Pininfarina for its world car project and has invested around Rs 700 Crore for the design as well production front. The current model Rhino Rx is doing well in the Indian car market and the new cars from company’s stable will certainly help to boost its performance.
I was looking forward for the ICML small car. It was unfortunate that ICML shelved an plans for the time. I had traveled in Rhino Rx and liked it ride quality, performance and designs. An ICML small car would have altered the focus from Tata Nano and Maruti Suzuki.