The Satara-based diesel engine manufacturer Cooper Corporation is planning to foray into the tractor business in India and will launch tractors with capacities ranging from 20-90hp in 2017.

Speaking exclusively to Autocar Professional at the ongoing Auto Expo 2016 Components Show at Pragati Maidan, Sunil Mulay, deputy general manager (R&D) at Cooper Corporation, said: “We are trying to cover maximum tractor applications through the variants that we are planning to launch around Diwali next year. We will come out with 4x2 and 4x4 versions across the entire range. We had started developing the tractor range in February 2015 and are yet to finalise the brand name.”

Mahindra & Mahindra is currently the tractor market leader in India with an overwhelming share of above 40 percent. Cooper Corporation plans to capture a share of the Indian tractor market by adopting a regional launch strategy.

Cooper Corporation, which was set up in 1922, aims to double its Rs 700 crore turnover in less than five years. It currently employs over 2,000 people including engineers, quality control personnel, workmen and administrative staff recruited from leading educational and technical institutions.

Over the years, the company has consistently invested in the latest state-of-the-art technology across 75 acres of land at 9 plants in Satara with the help of experienced consultants from all over the world. The company has set-up its own R&D unit to explore the possibilities of developing new products.

Cooper supplies auto spare parts and engine components to all leading manufacturers in India and across the world from Japan to Europe and the USA. It has a technical collaboration with Ricardo UK for the design of its state-of-the-art family of engines in 2-, 3-, 4- and 6-cylinder configurations. These engines are designed to meet all future emission norms while delivering the best-in-class fuel efficiency.