Eicher Polaris Multix
Overview
TypePersonal utility vehicle
ManufacturerEicher Motors
& Polaris India
ProductionAugust 2015 – March 2018
Model years2015-2018
AssemblyKukas, Jaipur,Rajasthan, India
DesignerPolaris Industries
Body and chassis
ClassPersonal utility vehicle
Body style4-door
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Powertrain
Engine511 cm3 (31.18 cu in)
TransmissionManual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,005 mm (78.94 in)
Length3,235 mm (127.36 in)
Width1,585 mm (62.40 in)
Height1,856 mm (73.07 in)
Curb weight650 & 750 kg

The Eicher Polaris Multix (or Multix) was a personal utility vehicle manufactured by Eicher Motors and Polaris India (the Indian arm of Polaris Inc.). The vehicle was announced in June 2015, and the first vehicle was delivered on 26 August 2015. Multix is promoted by its manufacturer as "India's first personal utility vehicle", able to be used as a people carrier, a cargo carrier and also a power generator.[1][2][3][4]

History

In July 2012, Eicher Motors and Polaris Inc. formed a 50:50 joint venture (JV) to manufacture vehicles in India.[5][6] This JV was formed with an initial investment of ₹350 crore (equivalent to ₹660 crore or US$82.6 million in 2023) and the new company was named "Eicher Polaris Pvt. Ltd." Thereafter, Eicher Motors and Polaris Industries combined their research and development facilities in their new manufacturing plant in Kukas, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.[5]

In May 2018, Eicher and Polaris announced they were closing down the Indian-joint venture, and discontinuing the Multix.[7]

Design

The Multix was designed with the aim of being used for both family and business purposes, and has been called a "3-in-1" vehicle.[1] Its cargo capacity is 400 litres.[8] Multix also generates 3 kilowatts of electricity and can thus be used as a power generator as well.[5][8]

Variants

The Multix has two variants, the AX+ and the MX. With the exception of doors (and the overall weight of the vehicle), both the variants are identical. AX+ has open doorways, whilst MX has doors. The curb weight of the MX is 100 kg more than that of AX+.[3][9][10]

Availability

As of October 2015, 30 JV dealerships had been set up to sell Multix models, in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.[8][11] Eicher Polaris Pvt. Ltd plans to have dealerships throughout India by mid-2017.[8]

Four colors were available as of June 2015.[6]

The first Multix vehicle was sold in August 2015, to Ganesh Narayan Choudhary.[5] The company expects to sell 60,000 vehicles per year.[8]

Financing

Eicher Polaris Pvt. Ltd has contracted with Cholamandalam Investment, and as of August 2015 was in negotiations with a number of other financial institutions, to provide financing to customers wanting to buy a Multix AX+ or MX.[11]

Reception

As a new entrant in the Indian automotive market, the Eicher Motors-Polaris India partnership is expected to face challenges in establishing its brand.[11] G. Balachandar of The Hindu referred to the Multix as able to convert from "a small car with space for family of 5 [to] a small truck with storage space" and said the innovative vehicle would "create its own segment of buyers."[11] Another article in The Hindu's "Business Line" praised the Multix's "smooth ride" and ability to "handl[e] rough terrain", and suggested it could "replace other mobility options" such as trucks, tractors and traditional automobiles.[8] Santanu Choudhury, blogging for The Wall Street Journal, noted that the Multix was both small enough to give buyers the maneuverability needed for narrow or congested streets, and equipped to handle adverse road conditions including severe ruts and minor flooding.[12] He also praised the possibilities opened up by the Multix's power generation capability, suggesting it could be used "to light up homes, power tools or even run a DJ console."[12]

Specifications

Multix AX+

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Eicher Polaris launches Multix, first Personal Vehicle in India". On Cars India. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  2. ↑ Balachandar, G. "Multix personal utility vehicle launched". The Hindu. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Multix model comparisons". carewale.com. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  4. ↑ "About Multix". Official website. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Eicher-Polaris start delivery of Multix". The Economic Times. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Shenoy, Arun (18 June 2015). "Eicher Polaris Pvt Ltd launches Multix, a 'Personal Utility Vehicle' for Rs. 2.32 Lakhs". CarDekho.com. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  7. ↑ "Eicher Motors Closes Down JV with Polaris; Multix to be Discontinued".
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Gopalan, Murali (1 October 2015). "It's one step at a time for Multix". The Hindu Business Line. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Specification: AX+". Official website. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  10. ↑ "Specification: MX". Official website. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Balachandar, G. "Eicher-Polaris JV". The Hindu. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Choudhury, Santanu (22 June 2015). "Meet the Multix, India's Newest Pickup Truck With Extra Charge". The Wall Street Journal (blog). Retrieved 8 October 2015.
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