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| Sunday, 15 December 2002 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Local three wheelers to ply the roads The common man's vehicle; three wheeler; 'tuk tuk'; what ever you may call them, they have invaded all roads, byroads and lanes of Sri Lanka due to their affordability and ease of operations. But how will Sri Lankans feel if this vehicle is manufactured in our own soil without being imported from another country? Definitely proud. M.Y.M. Nassar, Chairman and Managing Partner Alba Group, is doing exactly that; manufacturing three wheelers in Sri Lanka. This local industry will not only ease the unemployment problem, but also save foreign currency for the island. "We have sold about 45 Alba Classic three wheelers while there are orders to manufacture 85 more. Now we are working on those orders. We are also pursuing some inquiries from Nigeria, Pakistan and Bangladesh. "I was involved in manufacturing for some time, but going commercial became double quick after I took part in an exhibition conducted by the National Youth Centre in April. They wanted me to exhibit the three wheeler and I did. This gave me a lot of exposure and encouragement to move towards commercial production," said Nassar. Going down memory lane, he said in the early 1980s, a company imported 10 three wheelers. Nassar's aunt became the owner of one of these. But after some time, there was a dearth of spare parts and she started going to India to bring parts for her vehicle. When this became known, people started placing orders with her for spare parts. As the load was heavy, Nassar also got involved and started going to India to bring spare parts. During this time David Peiris Motor Company started importing Bajaj three wheelers from India. Nassar expanded his business and started bringing spare parts by sea, which was cheaper. After some time he decided to manufacture three wheeler body parts with metal. He imported a machine and started manufacturing them locally. "Since I was already manufacturing body parts, I thought why not manufacture a three wheeler. Then I started trying and testing my plan with an engine brought from India. Even now the engine is imported while all other parts are locally made. Now we are trying to manufacture the engine locally. Tests are being done and we are hopeful of succeeding in the near future," Nassar said. He said a person purchasing an Alba Classic three wheeler can use it without any modifications as the company gives a complete product. Where other three wheelers are concerned, there are several things to be borne by the customer. As the three wheeler is equipped with a self-starter, even a woman can drive it. Among its features are single windscreen, crystal headlights, fuel meter, brake oil indicator, ampere meter, modified engine cooling system, average fuel consumption of 32km per litre, advanced suspension system, adjustable seats, hazard lights, fuel door with a key, bigger tail lights, indoor light and cushioned seats. A fare meter is an optional feature. The factory located at Wellampitiya employs 75 people while the office employs about 50. "My staff is my strength and their dedication and hard work is the key to my success," added Nassar. Speaking of future plans, he said that manufacturing an engine locally and exporting the three wheeler to other countries are among his priorities. The main hindrance to the development of local industries, according to Nassar, is the high cost of interest charged by banks. "If local industrialists are in a position to obtain loans at low interest, we can provide employment and manufacture products locally as our people have a lot of hidden talents, " he added. |
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