Tata Motors today lined up a slew of new vehicles across categories at the 10th Auto Expo here. These included Tata Aria, Jaguar XJ, Tata Venture, Tata Magic Iris and the ‘Prima’ range of trucks, trailers and special application vehicles.
The company has positioned the Tata Aria as a cross-over between a multi-utility and a sports utility vehicle that is built for India by Indian engineers. The Aria is slated to be commercially launched in the second quarter of 2010. Tata Motors’ current line up of SUVs and MUVs include Safari and Sumo Grande.
The company has also showcased the passenger carrier Tata Magic Iris and the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) Tata Venture, besides the Jaguar XJ. The Jaguar XJ was premiered worldwide in London in July 2009 and deliveries across the world will begin later this year. Bookings in India have opened for Jaguar XZ and deliveries are expected after June, a company statement said.
Speaking at the Expo, Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata said: “My memory goes 20 years back when we were a truck manufacturer. This is the venue where we introduced Indica and became a passenger car manufacturer. Two years ago, we also introduced the Nano, the world’s cheapest car, here and today. We are showcasing a whole variety of products.”.
He added: “Being a responsible manufacturer, we are concerned for emission norms and safety. What was more important was that an Indian company working with Indian people has managed to make Tata an international standard company.”
WHAT RATAN TATA SAID AT EXPO
On Nano in the US: In the domestic market, the demand exceeds the supply. But, we are recognising the demand for Nano not only in the regional developing market but also in the developed market. Therefore, we may launch Nano for the US market. But the US-version of Nano will require a larger engine and some additional crash tests and modification. It is still three years away.
On status of land in Singur: We still hold the lease for the land in Singur. There has not been any discussion with the state government on the land issue. And, we haven’t decided on what to do with the land either. We will gladly return the land if adequate compensation in paid to us. Today, we have no plans to do anything in Singur. We went to Singur and invested to give jobs. Unless there is harmony, we won’t consider going there.
On commercially launching electric cars and hybrids: We are looking at launching the electric Indica first in the West European markets and the UK by April 2011. We are also working on an electric hybrid car and an all-electric car. We are looking at what we can apply to Nano as well.
On stimulus packages: Obviously, I have great self-interest in saying it should not be (withdrawn) because buoyancy in the market — which is somewhat a barometer of the economy — has been stimulated greatly with the incentives that have been given.
