After Bajaj-Renault, Reva, Hyundai and Xenitis it seems that yet another carmaker will chase the Tata’s people car ‘jeh'(1 lakh car). Dubai-based engine manufacturer Pratiko plans to become the UAE’s(United Arab Emirates) first mass producer of automobiles. The low budger smart car will be called as ‘Tiger Kubs’. Tiger Kubs will be a two-seater car and is being built on a lightweight frame. It will be priced at Rs 117,885 (Dh11,016 (or)$3,000). Tiger Kubs prototype will be ready by early 2008 and will be displayed in the 2008 Dubai auto show. Three Dubai-based investors have recently acquired a German kart enginemaker, Diland, that will manufacture a light weight, hi-power and fuel efficient car with a speed of 100 km/hr. Pratiko will decommission the plant in Germany and ship it to Dubai Investment Park. Tiger Kubs will be produced in dubai international park and will be exported to primarily to the Indian subcontinent and Africa. Praktiko’s Layland SA250 engine will be the first complete automotive engine produced in the UAE.
From the manufacturer
We have officially entered the highly competitive ‘one lakh race’ to supply cars to these countries (the subcontinent and Africa), where demand is incredibly high for small, quick, economical and affordable cars.
“This is no mean feat as we are going up against automotive giants, such as Suzuki, Tata, Maruti and Bajaj, to efficiently produce a car aimed at budgets of around Rs one lakh with 100 kilometres to the gallon(around 22kmpl) and a speed of 100 kilometres per hour,” Massoud, Managing Director of Pratiko GT said.
“These types of cars make a great deal of sense in countries where the emphasis is on economy and practically”. “The Tiger Kub’s impressive fuel economy will also be attractive to environmentally conscious buyers”, Massoud said.