Hindustan Motors has launched Veer -- a new model in the small commercial vehicle (SCV) space. The 0.8 tonne-SCV is HM’s second offering. The Veer will compete against the Tata Ace and Piaggio’s Ape Truk. The company already has a one -tonner mini truck called Winner in that segment. HM plans to introduce more vehicles in the current financial year from its Uttarpara and Chennai plants.

“More new vehicles will follow suit. These will come both from our Uttarpara plant in West Bengal, where we manufacture the iconic Ambassador and other vehicles, and our Chennai facility where we build the Mitsubishi range of vehicles. Our offerings are set to expand at a fast pace due to our reinforced emphasis on new product development,” stated Manoj Jha, HM’s Managing Director, after unveiling the new vehicle.

The Veer is built on the tried and tested Ambassador platform, incorporating changes in transmission and suspension systems required for a load carrier. The vehicle is available in both diesel (BS III) and CNG (BS IV) versions and in two models – Veer and Veer LX. While Veer has a separate load tray, Veer LX’s load tray is seamlessly integrated with the front cabin.

HM says that the three-seat bench provided in the front cabin offers distinctly superior comfort level compared to other vehicles in this segment. According to the company, because of its Ambassador lineage, Veer will enjoy the traditional benefits of low cost maintenance and easy spare parts availability. The vehicle is also available as a drive-away chassis (DAC) with front cabin. The Veer will initially be launched in the Eastern region and go pan-India over the current financial year.

Veer diesel’s inaugural price for August is Rs 3.30 lakh ex-showroom Kolkata