The Hindu Business Line : Tata Motors launches LCV variant in AP

TATA Motors, the country's largest commercial vehicles manufacturer, has set a target to garner about 60 per cent of the country's LCV (light commercial vehicle) market, cruising on a slew of new launches across segments during fiscal 2005.

Announcing the launch of Tata LPT 909 EX in Andhra Pradesh, the first centre to see the roll out of this segment in the southern market, the Head of Sales and Marketing, Tata Motors, Mr Prem Verma, said, "While the industry registered a growth of about 36 per cent, Tata Motors share was about 58 per cent in 2003-2004, up from 55 per cent in the previous year. With the launch of new models in some categories where we do not have offerings, we expect to garner a share of about 60 per cent this year."

"Within this LCV segment, the ICV or Intermediate Commercial Vehicle segment market was estimated at 15,800 vehicles in 2003-2004, wherein Tata Motors accounted for about 4,600 vehicles. With the launch of two models in this segment, we expect to expand the reach to new markets and also pick up a larger share in this segment as well," he explained.

"Out of the all India industry size of about 2.6 lakh commercial vehicles, Tata Motors accounted for about 1.52 lakh vehicles. But going by the performance of the company during the first two months this year, and buoyancy in the market, we are confident of growing further this market share this year," he explained.

"The entire southern region is important market for us and Andhra Pradesh accounts for the highest sales in the ICV segment, where it was earlier dominated by Swaraj Mazda and Eicher Motors.

As opposed to 1,600 total vehicle sales last year, we expect this to grow to about 2,000 this year where Tata Motors is eyeing about 1,200 vehicles. We will soon launch this model in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka."

Explaining about the new vehicle, Mr Verma said this has a high payload of 6 tonnes compared to the other vehicles offered in this segment since this comes with a strengthened suspension and chassis and the highest gross vehicle weight (GVW) in its class.

This features a turbo-charged intercooler engine, which provides for high torque, that suits such vehicles.

More Stories on : New Products & Services | HCV/LCV/Tractors | Andhra Pradesh

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