The Hindu Business Line : Tata Motors sub-one tonne CV Cub to roll out on Friday

According to sources, the `Cub' is a low-cost intra-city goods transportation vehicle designed after taking into consideration the evolving requirements of niche segments of the industry.

Pune , May 3

TATA Motors much-awaited foray into the sub-one tonne commercial vehicle segment is now reality with the `Cub', a 700 cc, two-cylinder, diesel engine-powered vehicle ready for launch.

Company sources told Business Line that the commercial vehicles business unit is working overtime for the launch of the vehicle, production of which has commenced, with a first batch of at least 150 vehicles waiting for roll out.

The vehicle is initially being launched in markets in South India with Bangalore the first destination, scheduled for roll out on Friday.

The `Cub' is part of the company's New Products Introduction Programme adopted a couple of years ago and is completely designed in-house at the Engineering Research Centre.

According to sources, the `Cub', being positioned as the country's first mini truck, is a low cost intra-city goods transportation vehicle designed after taking into consideration the evolving requirements of niche segments of the industry.

"The vehicle is in keeping with the company's strategy of being present in every segment of commercial vehicles business," sources said.

Tata Motors, which developed the product with tight control over development costs, will use the `Cub' to drive volumes in the new segment. The Cub will be pitted against vehicles such as the Ape from Piaggio and the Bajaj Tempo Minidor.

"After establishing it as a goods transportation vehicle, the company is also toying with the idea of developing a mini passenger van on the same platform," sources said.

The company has set up a separate line for manufacturing `Cub' at the Pune-based LCV plant.

Tata Motors plans to manufacture 30,000-50,000 units of the vehicle annually.

When contacted, a company spokesperson declined to reveal details of the vehicle.

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