Srilanka Auto News - Micro car company

Auto Industry of Srilanka..... Whhaaat?

Sorry no Auto News in Srilanka. No auto news or no lanka motors news as there is no auoto industry in Srilanka.

Oh! yes, I forgot that Srilanka tried to start her auto industry in Nineteen Sixties with assembling Isuzu Bellett and Mazda cars. Few Isuzu Bellet cars were assembled and a few were exported also. Upali Motor Company (UMC) assembled some UMC Mazda cars that were very popular for a long time. With the Socialist policies of the government during 1970-1977 period cars were neither imported to nor assembled in Srilanka. In 1978 UMC started assembling Upali Fiat 128. That project also did not last long.

Veteran Automobile Engineer, Dr. Lawrence Perera established Micro Cars Company in 2000 to produce low priced cars in Srilanka. The first Micro car and a mini van Designed and produced in Srilanka were introduced to market in 2003. Later other models like Micro Trend and Micro Mx-7 were introduced. The Korean SUVs Rexton and Kyron from Ssangyong and the double cab pickup Actyon assembled by Micro were hot favorites due to the competitive price Tag. Apart from these An Airport bus and a Double Decker bus were produced in Srilanka by Micro. All these vehicles had imported Engines and Gearboxes.

With the acceptance of locally produced or locally assembled vehicles Srilanka may have an auto industry of her own in the future. The plans of few other companies to assemble Chinese vehicles in Srilanka is another pointer for this.

With the competitive price tags and the superb after sales service Micro cars are beginning to establish as a locally accepted Brand. With clinching an order to export 150 of Micro MX-7 Sedans to Nepal it has started exporting cars.

The many models produced by Micro are Proven designs. Trendy hatchback Micro Trend has been designed by famous Italian Designer firm Pininfarina for Hafei of China and produces in China as Hafei Lobo and produced in Srilanka as Trend.

The first Micro 800 was designed locally. It had an 800cc Italian Engine

Micro cars assembles MX7 a mid-sized sedan car that proudly exhibits the aerodynamic lines designed by Pininfarina the famous Italian auto designing firm. The MX7 is designed for long life in tropical climes. This stylish car boasts of low fuel consumption making it popular in some markets. The car offers many options like anti-lock braking system with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), electric windows, etc. while the power Steering with four wheel independent suspension ensures control and stability. The MX7 comes with a 1.6 litre, 4-cylinder Mitsubishi engine and meets Euro II Safety Standard.

During the period of civil war that lasted for three decades Srilankan economy stagnated. With the end of the war and hopes for a peaceful future, foreign companies, Srilankans living abroad and the local companies may invest in Srilankan economy. With these favorable factors there is the likelihood of an auto industry taking shape in Srilanka. With the national incomes of the whole SAARC region and the trade liberalization within SAARC Srilankan auto industry can take a risk.