Chennai: The idea of travelling by an auto rickshaw, also locally known as ‘auto’ is something not very exciting. But the experience of an auto ride for this group of Australian delegates here on Sunday evening, was filled with fun and amusement.
The foreign delegates were taken for a ride on 10 ‘M Autos’ driven by female chauffeurs from ITC Grand Chola to Kapaleeswarar temple. One among the 10 vehicles is the first retro-fit electric auto in the country, to be launched in the city soon.
Aimed at promoting electric vehicles and women empowerment, it is the first vehicle to receive a license for such operation from the government.
‘M Autos’ are the result of a collaborative effort with the Australian government, launched in 2014.
Autos that run on petrol and diesel are the worst air polluters in the city. It is said that an auto produces four tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Speaking at the event, M Auto chairman Mansoor Ali Khan, said, “The retro-fit electric auto comes as a solution to such serious air pollution caused by autos alone. With a maximum speed of 70 km per hour, it runs 100 km for a charge of one hour. It can accommodate three persons and a driver.”
The company is in the process of introducing 100 such autos in September, all driven by women.
The delegates who took the fun ride were Stephen Bali, Blacktown City Mayor, Australia, Nathan Rees, former premier of NSW, Australia, and Munish Sharma, Consul Commercial, Australian Trade Commissioner.
CEO, M Auto Group, Yasmeen Jawahar Ali, was also present.
