The Hindu Business Line : Tata Motors to launch 30 new CV models

Mumbai, Dec. 21 Tata Motors said it will launch 30 new models in the commercial vehicle segment in the current financial year. “Any company introducing these many vehicles in a year is quite unheard of. We expect, in CV segment, 60 per cent of our sales in the next financial year to come from these new vehicles,” said Mr R. Ramakrishnan, Head of Sales and Marketing, Medium & Heavy Trucks.

Tata launched seven medium and heavy trucks in Pune on Thursday. The company will launch four more in the financial year 2008. The new vehicles include a 49-tonne tractor trailer, a 49-tonne Novus tractor and a 31-tonne truck with lift-axle. All vehicles comply with the BS II emission norms. The new 49-tonne tractor on Novus platform comes with an AC cabin, radial tyres and a power capacity of 295.8 HP and is priced Rs 33 lakh.

The Rs15.5 lakh Tata LPT 3118 TC truck is fitted with an automatic load sensing lift axle, which is first of its kind in the Indian truck industry, according to the company authorities. Fully built tippers with 20 cubic meters body were also launched.

“Given the high GDP growth rate and booming construction sector, the Indian CV market is far from maturation. With the value-added products in the CV segment which offer comfort and safety on par with passenger cars we reiterate our leadership position,” said Mr P.M. Telang, Executive Director of Tata Motors Comercial Vehicle Business Unit.

About the overseas sales of the Tata trucks, Mr Telang said, “We are selling in a big way in the Middle East and South Africa. We see great opportunity in Russia and the entire Eastern Europe. In case China opens up, we will have market there as well.”

Senior executives of Tata Motors expressed confidence about the resurgence of the truck market which has been facing a slump in the recent period. “The good GDP rate, rising Sensex and the good performance of the overall economy give positive signals. The interest rates are most likely to come down. The improving infrastructure will particularly benefit the trucks with the dual advantage of more business as well as smooth ride,” said Mr Ramakrishnan.

Of the 30 new vehicles to be launched, 11 are in the heavy and medium trucks. In a bid to maintain its 70 percent share in the domestic truck market, which has become highly competitive following the entrance of international players, Tata is introducing new truck variants with value additions.

Tata Motors is understood to be launching four new commercial vehicles at the Auto Expo.