60 Maruti Jimny Deployed for Extreme Border Patrol

The Maruti Gypsy is one of the iconic off-road SUVs, served motorsport enthusiasts, civilians and the Indian Armed Forces. It remained the most trusted military vehicles for decades, with the last batch delivered under a special order in 2020. Now, the Maruti Jimny has replaced the Gypsy, as its 60 units have been handed over to Indo-Tibetan border police (ITBP). These units will be deployed along the border regions of Leh-Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

As you may know, the ITBP operates in some of the most challenging terrains with extreme weather conditions and temperatures dropping to as low as -45 degree Celsius in winter. In fact, driving in these areas is not easy due to snow-covered mountains, glaciers and rugged landscapes.

The handover ceremony took place in the presence of Mr. Abdul Ghani Mir (IPS), Additional Director General (HQ), Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and Mr. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki at ITBP headquarters in New Delhi.

What makes Jimny a capable off-roader?

The Maruti Jimny is the perfect fit for such terrains. This off-road SUV comes with a 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, generating power worth 105bhp and 134Nm. Transmission choices including a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic.

Features such as the Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4WD system with a manual transfer case and low-range gearbox with ‘2WD-high’, ‘4WD-high’ and ‘4WD-low’ modes enhance its off-road capabilities. Furthermore, the SUV has been built on the ladder-frame chassis and comes with the electronic traction control system and a 3-link rigid axle suspension. It offers a ground clearance of 210mm, which makes it highly suitable for rough terrains.

Official Statement

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “Today is a proud moment for Maruti Suzuki as we deliver the Jimny to the ITBP. The Jimny is an ideal vehicle to navigate the tough border terrains where the ITBP personnel dedicatedly protect our country. The Jimny, with its tagline ‘Never Turn Back’ also resonates with the determination and valour of our brave soldiers in uniform. Maruti Suzuki has a long-standing association with the Armed Forces, providing them with vehicles which they can trust. The Maruti Suzuki Gypsy has been a trusted companion for the Armed Forces for decades, and now with the Jimny, we take ahead this legacy to support our soldiers at the frontiers. With its internationally acclaimed all-terrain capability, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny represents our commitment to go above and beyond to assist the heroes who protect our great nation.”

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