Unlike Maruti 800 sold in the domestic market, the HMIL car would cater to domestic and export markets, says a Company spokesman. By the time this car will be launched in the Indian market, demand for small cars will be about two million units

Kolkata: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, is planning to launch its 800cc small car by 2011-12.

Heung Soo Lheem, Managing Director of HMIL, said "We are planning to introduce 800 cc small sized car within 2011-12 but not to fight the Nano since we do not have the capability to manufacture Rs 1 lakh cars.By the time this car will be launched in the Indian market, demand for small cars will be about two million units."

Research and development (R&D) work for the new car has already started at R&D centres in Hyderabad and Namyam (Korea).

Unlike Maruti 800 sold in the domestic market, the HMIL car would cater to domestic and export markets, added Lheem.

HMIL currently had capacity of manufacturing 20,000 units per month and 600,000 units per year at its two manufacturing units.

Of its total sales, 55 per cent was from the domestic market and 42 per cent from exports last year.

HMIL promised a preview of its i20 car, with code name PB, in the hatchback syle, at the Auto Tariff Show on October 2, in Paris.

In the eastern region, HMIL reported market share of 17 per cent last year with its i10 range now outselling the Santro.

HMIL under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, would be backing the Student Traffic Volunteer Scheme (STVS) of the traffic arm of Kolkata Police.

The scheme would develop road safety awareness and help in traffic management.

The Student Traffic Volunteer Scheme was first introduced in Delhi in 2006 followed by Chennai.

Lheem said, "The Student Traffic Volunteer Scheme which started in New Delhi in 2006 has been very successful scheme, so much so, that we have inducted 100 more volunteers in the scheme this year. We feel priviledged to be partnering Kolkata Police in introducing the scheme."

Under the STVS scheme, student representatives will assist the traffic police in controlling traffic at intersections like Jawaharlal Nehru road, Raja bazaar, Shyam Bazaar, Park Circus, besides organising parking of vehicles in commercial areas and educating pedestrians about traffic rules.

HMIL would support this initiative financially by giving out stipends to all 80 student volunteers selected out of 350 candidates.

Hyundai sponsored insurance cover for students against accident or injury.