HM Ambassador Encore launched at Rs 4.97 lakh in India

The Ambassador Encore diesel is BS-IV complaint; Bookings begin today. 

Back in May 2013, we had reported that Hindustan Motors is preparing an all-new BS-IV complaint diesel version of its iconic Ambassador, which will launch in the market with a new name. And today, that model has arrived in the country. It's called the Ambassador Encore and it will retail at Rs 4.97 lakh (ex-showroom, Kolkatta). With the new model with its BS-IV complaint engine, we can now expect to see the Ambassador Encore running in all the 17 cities, from where the model was banned since April 2012 due to emission norms.

 

The new Ambassador Encore has been introduced under the new 'No Refusal' taxi segment that was recently introduced by the West Bengal government in the state. Under these segment, the taxis have the permit to operate 24/7, regardless of bandhs or weather conditions and are not allowed to refuse customers. These taxis have been painted in white with blue stripes with the words 'No-Refusal' painted on the sides. Taxi drivers can further get a discount on Ambassador Encore by exchanging their existing model. We understand that a set of 2,000 permits have been issued by the West Bengal government, while another set of 2,000 permits are expected to be issued in November 2013.

 

Powering the new Ambassador Encore is the same 1.5-litre diesel engine, which has been extensively developed in the past 3.5 years in order for the engine to be BSIV compliant and up to the OBD 2 level.

 

The company however, did not reveal the power and torque figures of the new engine, while the Mr Uttam Bose, managing director & CEO of HM had the following to say: “It is a game-changing offer from HM which has always accorded highest priority to customers' needs and purchasing power. The company made significant investment in terms of money and man hours to upgrade its BS III 1.5-litre diesel engine to BS IV standards and OBD 2 level. Yet it has chosen not to pass on the expenditure to customers. Through value engineering and cost-efficient manufacturing, HM is able to offer Ambassador Encore at this amazingly low price without any compromise on quality.”

 

Bookings for the new HM Ambassador Encore will begin from today.