Force Motors commits Rs 20 bn investment for sustainable drive

06 Feb 2024 CW Team

The company, known for its array of commercial and utility vehicles, plans to gradually introduce electric variants of its van lineup. Firodia shared insights on the overall investment strategy, stating, "At a company level, we are contemplating an investment of about Rs 20 billion over the next three to four years." He elaborated that this investment would span conventional engines, EVs, enhancements to engineering facilities, and initiatives for a more sustainable environment, covering the entire value chain.

While the company showcased its electric offerings, including Traveller Electric, Urbania Diesel, and Traveller CNG at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, it emphasised a commitment to both electrification and traditional engine vehicles.

Regarding electrification, Firodia mentioned an investment of approximately Rs 2 to Rs 3 billion, with the initial electric release being the Traveller Electric. He outlined the electrification timeline, stating that various variants of Traveller would be introduced every six months. Additionally, the Urbania model is expected to have an electric version by the end of the next year.

Firodia also disclosed plans for electrifying non-passenger transport vehicles, such as the Gurkha, indicating a phased rollout of electric versions for these products. The first release, the Traveller Electric, is anticipated this quarter.

On the sustainability front, Firodia emphasised the company's initiative to use 'green energy,' targeting nearly 50% of energy consumption to be sourced from renewable sources by the middle of the calendar year.

While the company doesn't foresee a significant need for additional production capacity, plans include the installation of a second large paint shop to address increased demand. Firodia expressed optimism about the market outlook, citing a robust growth momentum of close to 40% year on year over the past two years. He anticipates continued strong growth of 25-35% or more over the next few years, fuelled by the government's infrastructure focus and positive market sentiment.

Automaker Force Motors intends to allocate approximately Rs 20 billion over the next three to four years for diverse initiatives, including a focus on sustainability and the development of electric vehicles (EVs), as revealed by the company's Managing Director, Prasan Firodia. The company, known for its array of commercial and utility vehicles, plans to gradually introduce electric variants of its van lineup. Firodia shared insights on the overall investment strategy, stating, At a company level, we are contemplating an investment of about Rs 20 billion over the next three to four years. He elaborated that this investment would span conventional engines, EVs, enhancements to engineering facilities, and initiatives for a more sustainable environment, covering the entire value chain. While the company showcased its electric offerings, including Traveller Electric, Urbania Diesel, and Traveller CNG at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, it emphasised a commitment to both electrification and traditional engine vehicles. Regarding electrification, Firodia mentioned an investment of approximately Rs 2 to Rs 3 billion, with the initial electric release being the Traveller Electric. He outlined the electrification timeline, stating that various variants of Traveller would be introduced every six months. Additionally, the Urbania model is expected to have an electric version by the end of the next year. Firodia also disclosed plans for electrifying non-passenger transport vehicles, such as the Gurkha, indicating a phased rollout of electric versions for these products. The first release, the Traveller Electric, is anticipated this quarter. On the sustainability front, Firodia emphasised the company's initiative to use 'green energy,' targeting nearly 50% of energy consumption to be sourced from renewable sources by the middle of the calendar year. While the company doesn't foresee a significant need for additional production capacity, plans include the installation of a second large paint shop to address increased demand. Firodia expressed optimism about the market outlook, citing a robust growth momentum of close to 40% year on year over the past two years. He anticipates continued strong growth of 25-35% or more over the next few years, fuelled by the government's infrastructure focus and positive market sentiment.

Technology

29 Jul 2026

AI-Enabled Workflows Lift Profitability and Productivity

Organisations modernising frontline workflows with artificial intelligence, automation and real-time data are reporting stronger financial performance, higher productivity and improved employee engagement, according to a global study by Zebra Technologies and Oxford Economics.The research covered 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics in the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.In transportation and logistics, 54 per cent of companies that improved picking and packing operations reported faster operational performance, wh..

Real Estate

29 Jul 2026

India Leads Global AI Readiness but Implementation Lags

Indian companies lead global averages across all eight artificial intelligence readiness indicators tracked by JLL, but only 19 per cent have started making changes to their workplaces, according to the JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey.The study found that 77 per cent of Indian business leaders expect AI to change their office requirements, creating a 58-percentage-point gap between awareness and implementation. The survey covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs and real estate leaders across 21 countries during the first quarter of 2026.Despite concerns over automation, 58 per cent of Indian leaders..

Equipment

29 Jul 2026

Three WOLFF Cranes Build Riyadh Cable-Stayed Bridges

Three WOLFF 180 B luffing jib cranes are supporting the construction of two cable-stayed bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban Bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and executed by the ICRC joint venture comprising IC Ictas and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company.The cranes are handling lifting operations including formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, work platforms, surveying equipment and other construction materials. Each crane is fitted with a 40 m jib, reaches a hook height of 157 m and offers a maximum ..