{"id":637589,"date":"2022-10-25T12:21:21","date_gmt":"2022-10-25T10:21:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=637589"},"modified":"2022-10-25T12:21:21","modified_gmt":"2022-10-25T10:21:21","slug":"new-car-brand-launching-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/motoring\/637589\/new-car-brand-launching-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"New car brand launching in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"

India\u2019s Force Motors has announced its official entry into the South African market with a portfolio of five vehicles incoming, TopAuto reports<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Indian car brand has partnered with ETG Logistics as its domestic distributor, and the first vehicles are expected to hit South African roads in the first quarter of 2023.<\/p>\n

According to TopAuto, Force will introduce a comprehensive line-up of vehicles to the local market comprising the Gurkha 4\u00d74, the Kargo King bakkie, and the Traveller in midi-bus, panel van, and ambulance configurations.<\/p>\n

The Traveller is aimed at \u201cmini- and midi-bus taxi operators who are looking for an affordable vehicle\u201d. In contrast, the Gurkha is for \u201cserious off-roading enthusiasts who require the use of independently controlled differential locks to get out of tricky situations,\u201d said Force Motors.<\/p>\n

As its name suggests, the Kargo King is a single-cab workhorse aligned with commercial customers\u2019 needs, TopAuto added.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe believe that we have the right products to cater to different customer segments and with this association look forward to emerging as a strong brand in multiple African markets,\u201d aid Prasan Firodia, managing director of Force Motors.<\/p>\n

Gurkha specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Gurkha will be competing in a small segment when it comes to South Africa, the category of mini 4x4s, which the Suzuki Jimny currently dominates.<\/p>\n

In India, the Force off-roader is sold in one trim line powered by a 2.6-litre diesel engine that generates 67kW and 250Nm, said TopAuto.<\/p>\n

The rugged mini-SUV has a 700mm water-wading depth, a maximum incline of 35 degrees, as well as mechanically-locking differentials on the front and rear axles.<\/p>\n

TopAuto added that standard equipment includes a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, full-LED headlamps with daytime running and cornering lamps, rear parking sensors, central locking, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ABS, and dual airbags.<\/p>\n

The Gurkha also offers seating for four passengers, and it measures 4,116mm long, 1,812mm wide, and 2,075mm tall, with a cargo capacity of 500 litres.<\/p>\n

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