Tata Motors, country's largest commercial vehicles maker, today said it will replace all its conventional range of trucks -- both medium and heavy vehicles -- with the Signa range and the new models will cost around 2 per cent more than the existing ones.
The move marks the branding of its truck business in a serious way as the existing conventional models are just numbered especially in the HCV segment.
"The first model from the Signa range will be tractor trailers and will be available with the dealers in two months, while the tippers, and heavy trucks will be launched in the second half," Tata Motors' Vice-President for Sales and Marketing - Commercial Business Unit, RT Wasan told PTI here at the Delhi Auto Expo.
When asked about the pricing, he said the exact prices will only be announced at the commercial launch but will not be very costly.
"The prices may at best go up by less than 2 per cent, even though these trucks come with ABS, optional AC cabins and telematics which will allow a fleet operator to exactly track the vehicle as well as get quality warnings as well," Wasan said.
He also said these trucks, to be rolled out from the Jamshedpur plant, have been under development for the past three years. However, he refused to share the quantum of investment gone into their development.
Offered in various configurations, the Signa range of commercial vehicles is engineered and built to offer medium and heavy commercial vehicle buyers, a newly designed cabin, with the Tata Motors aggregates, Tata Motors Executive Director for commercial vehicle business, Ravi Pisharody told reporters.
The company showcased three variants from the Signa range - the 4923.S tractor, the A 3118.T multi-axle truck and the 2518.K tipper.
The auto major also unveiled the Ultra 1518, an all-new production ready variant from Tata Motors Ultra range of intermediate and light commercial vehicles.
"With these commercial vehicle offerings, we hope to bring modern trucking mainstream, addressing emerging needs for a safe, comfortable and connected commercial vehicle experience," Pisharody said.
The company has displayed its capabilities across the commercial vehicle spectrum, with technologies powering the future of goods and passenger movement, he added.
"From the last-mile Magic Iris Ziva, propelled by Hydrogen based fuel-cell technologies, the Tata Starbus Hybrid - the world's first commercially produced CNG Hybrid bus to a new generation last mile goods transport solution from the Ace family Ace Mega Xl-with these new future ready products, we are all set to revolutionise the domestic commercial vehicle industry, Pisharody said.
