The Federal Republic of Germany conferred the Order of Merit on Dr. Abhay Firodia, Force Motor’s Chairman on February 16. Dr. Leopold Theodor Heldman, the Consul General, Mumbai presented Dr. Firodia with the Germany’s highest honour at an award ceremony in Pune.
Firodia’s association with German automobile industry goes back to 1950; it was over sixty years ago, that N.K.Firodia started manufacturing HANSEAT 3 wheelers in India, in partnership with Vidal & Sohn Tempo Werke. Firodia’s ‘Tempo’ has been a byword for commercial vehicles in India. Bajaj Tempo, the Matador ruled the light commercial vehicles for over two decades, not just as leading brand, but more as a dominant player. Traveller series of vehicles have taken over the mantle, surpassing the trust-standards and delivering better-than-industry-average profitability.
World’s largest monocoque van, the Traveller-26 was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2012, by Force Motors. Reasonable price has been Firodia’s hallmark, Traveller 26, which can transport 26 passengers at a time, is priced at just Rs.11.50 Lakh. The monocoque body is safer and gives better fuel economy. Large seating capacity and low maintenance make this vehicle an ideal school bus and tourist operators’ choice.
Traveller-26 Luxury is a 15-seater (Rs.14 Lakh,) provides reclining seats with front tray tables; and has a clear 6-foot standing clearance inside. The factory-fitted ducted air-conditioning provides individual a/c ventilators too. Generous legroom is a thoughtful feature of Traveller.
The new series is powered by 2.2L Daimler engines, which build up a good amount of 130BHP. A hybrid version, expected to hit the roads soon, could reduce fuel consumption by nearly 30%, according to Firodia.
For those wanting to test 160kmph top speeds, Force Motors’s, the 2.2L Daimler Engine powered Force One is the answer. Height-adjustable, reclining and theatre like seating, best in class legroom, sophisticated interiors along with easy driving is the promise of this SUV at about Rs.11.08 Lakh.
Even while overseeing manufacturing these popular commercial and passenger vehicles, Dr. Abhay Firodia is proactive in promoting industrial atmosphere. Abhay’s involvement with automobile industry sees him as the president of the Society of Indian Automobiles Manufacturers (SIAM), the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and also the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). He is also presiding over the Maratha Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture.
