Public sector auto maker Scooters India (SIL) is planning to get into the electric two-wheeler segment, in addition to its range of passenger three-wheelers. The company has a high-capacity assembly line and trained manpower that could produce the new vehicle. SIL, a sick unit under the purview of the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction till 1996, plans to sell the battery-driven two-wheeler through its extensive dealer network. The Lucknow-based company has called for expression of interest from manufacturers of electric two-wheelers for a collaboration to make and market the vehicle. SIL currently manufactures cost-effective passenger three-wheelers under the Vikram brand. The assembly line has a capacity of 3,000 three-wheelers monthly. It also holds the world rights of legendary scooter brands Lambretta/Lambro, which production was discontinued in 1997. Incorporated in 1972, SIL is a fully integrated automobile plant, engaged in designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad spectrum of conventional and non-conventional fuel driven three-wheelers. The plant was taken over from M Innocenti of Italy and in 1975, SIL started commercial production of scooters under the brand name of Vijai Super for the domestic market and Lambretta for the overseas market. Later it introduced Vikram, which has several variants that run on petrol and diesel, as well as such non-conventional fuels as LPG, CNG and even battery. After BIFR approved a revival plan in 1996, SIL witnessed a turnaround and started making profit. In the last five years, the 1,600-odd employees have worked to turn things around, even though things are still far from rosy. The company has its own marketing network of regional sales offices across the country. SIL exports vehicles to Germany, Italy, Sudan, Nigeria, Nepal and Bangladesh. It is also engaged in the manufacture of spare parts and auto components for the overseas market, especially the UK. A company executive said that the company was hopeful of posting sales in excess of 16,000 three-wheelers in the ongoing financial year ending March 31, 2008.