Bharat Forge in talks with Tata Motors for auto parts

Auto component maker Bharat Forge (BFL) is in talks with automobile manufacturer Tata Motors for supply of crankshafts for the latter's "small car" project, BFL officials said on Saturday.

The small Rs 1,00,000 car is Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata's dream project, and is likely to be launched in 2007-08.

Market sources said the prototype for the small car will be ready in around four months. Tata Motors is expected to ultimately manufacture around 1 million such cars per year.

A Mahindra & Mahindra group company is also vying for the same order for crankshafts. "It is not yet certain whether Tata Motors will keep only one supplier for the crankshafts or make it a twin supplier arrangement," Bharat Forge officials said.

Bharat Forge is focusing on increasing the share of revenues from the passenger vehicle segment. This segment's share in its revenues stands at 29 per cent now, trailing the commercial vehicle segment's 40 per cent share.