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Regular-article-logo Saturday, 02 August 2025

SAN MOTORS STIRS UP A STORM 

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FROM SHASHWATI GHOSH Published 17.01.02, 12:00 AM
New Delhi, Jan. 17 :    New Delhi, Jan. 17:  This is a question aimed at all you speed fiends fuming in the slow lane because the family crock simply won't top 40 kmph: how would you like the experience of Corvette from Chevrolet, Elise from Lotus and Sport Spyder from Renault in an Indian car? Hands up all those who are ready to stump up Rs 5 lakh for a two+two sports coupe? San Motors of Goa is trying to stir a Storm with its brand new model that sports a Renault D7F 1149 cc engine with a fuel injected motor equipped with a microprocessor based engine system that cranks up 60 horsepower. San Motors was established in 1969 and used to produce locomotives and engineering equipment like axle drives, gears and pinions, cardan shafts and gear boxes until its present promoter director Milind S. Thakkar felt that Indians needed something young and joyous and affordable. The project resulted in Storm-which was launched in Goa two months ago. The company has already sold over 50 cars. 'The design of the car is done by Le Mans design group from France. I think India lacks an affordable sports coupe. Moreover, I want to give the young people a chance to feel the sun and wind on their face while driving. I cannot fight the big names in the business but I have a gut feeling that this product will be well-received,' says Thakkar. Thakkar feels there is 4-5 per cent market for these type of cars in India and Storm will fill the gap for economically priced sports car. San Motors is a single product company at the moment. But it aims to introduce the Streak-a two door convertible and a sports recreation vehicle called San Dune. The cars will have a 30-35 per cent import content. 'We have already established dealerships in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The auto expo provided a platform for us to come to north India. We are opening our dealership in Delhi next week. The servicing and after sales services will be provided by the dealers themselves,' said Thakkar. San Motors is a single product company at the moment. But it aims to introduce the Streak-a two door convertible and a sports recreation vehicle called San Dune. The cars will have a 30-35 per cent import content. 'The Storm is aimed at the young. The vehicle will be launched nationwide by March. As the demand for these cars are not great, our Bangalore factory can handle the production for a while. We can churn out around 50 cars a month. But if it really catches on we are ready to invest,' said Thakkar.    
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