Tata Motors, India’s third-largest car maker, plans to use the platform of its low-cost small car Nano to build electric and hybrid cars.
“The Nano is just not a car for Tata Motors, it is also a platform to create more high-end models that will sell for higher prices and yield better margins,” said Tata Group in a book published by it to highlight its innovations.
While the company did not share further details, the move is being seen as part of Tata Motors’ push for green fuel.
The Tatas are gearing to launch the electric version of the Indica by September, starting with Norway, which has sufficient infrastructure support for electric vehicles.
Besides, Tata Motors is closely working with Moteur Development International (MDI), a French company, to develop a car that runs on compressed air. The car will be launched commercially by the French company later this year in select European markets though no timeframe has been provided for the India launch.
Further, work is underway to launch an electric version of the Ace, a one-tonne light commercial vehicle, in association with Chrysler.
The Rs 18,000-crore (market cap) auto company has decided to shift its focus to green platforms like biofuels, hybrids, electric power and clean diesels over the next few years.
Nano has 97 per cent local content, a majority of which has been developed in collaboration with local component suppliers.
