Tata Motors - Media Centre

Tata Motors Group displays the widest range of products and environment-friendly technologies at Auto Expo 2010

Unveils Jaguar XJ and the 4x4, 7-seater Crossover Tata Aria Other prominent unveilings:

Tata Venture, a hatchback sized 8-seater MPV
Tata Magic Iris, a novel four-seater public transportation vehicle

The Tata Motors Group has unfolded the full scale of its product portfolio and the breadth of its technology capability with a display of 37 vehicles, from the Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover brands, at the Auto Expo 2010, which opened here today. Among them are three new Tata vehicles – the Tata Aria, the Tata Venture, the Tata Magic Iris – and the all new Jaguar XJ, which were unveiled by the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, Mr. Ratan N. Tata.

In passenger vehicles, the Group’s displays range from Jaguar luxury saloons and Land Rover SUVs to Tata Indigo Manza sedans, Tata Indica Vista hatchbacks, the Tata Safari, the Sumo Grande MK II, the Xenon XT, and two specially conceived Tata Nano cars. The Nano has been declared as the 2010 Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY). The Tata commercial vehicles range displays include a brand new Starbus platform, the Prima range of world standard trucks, CNG-fuelled truck pick-up vehicles, and a Winger-based special application.

The technology capability on show includes environment-friendly hybrid and electric powertrains, conventional engines with higher fuel efficiency, lightweight vehicle architecture, all contributing to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, besides state-of-the-art drive technologies, latest infotronics, ultra-modern passenger comfort, safety and entertainment systems.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tata said, “The range of Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles is representative of our technology base, and the direction our brands are taking in pursuing market opportunities. The Company is focused on meeting the full range of customer needs while being conscious of the environment.”

The unveiling of the all new Jaguar XJ marks its India launch. The all-new Jaguar XJ brings a daring new spirit to automotive luxury, with a mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and engineering. The car was premiered worldwide in London in July 2009, and deliveries across the world are beginning this year. Bookings for India too have opened, and deliveries will begin from June 2010. Displays from Land Rover, the gold standard in 4x4s, include the Model Year 2010 Discovery 4 and the Range Rover Sport, which expand Land Rover’s 2010 product range in India.

The Tata Aria, to be launched in the second quarter of 2010, blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range MPV with the all terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV. Its unique design and construction makes it robust, elegant and comfortable. The interiors, with three rows of theatre style seating, present a luxurious world of premium features comprising 3D surround sound, dimming roof lamps, in-dash built in GPS, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, multifunctional steering wheel, dual air conditioning with automatic climate control and cruise control. Top-of-the-line safety features include 6 airbags and ESP, offered by an Indian OEM for the first time. Besides, the chassis frame comprising advanced hydro formed members, a stiffened body cage, and dual zone collapsible steering make the Aria one of the safest vehicles.

Its 2.2 Litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) diesel engine, delivering 140 PS power and 320 Nm torque, is mated, in the 4x4 option, with an all-wheel drive with torque on demand, which senses and distributes torque to the wheels in accordance with the terrain.

The less than 4 metre long Tata Venture, to be launched soon, has the footprint and maneuverability of a hatchback car, but the interior space of a utility vehicle comfortably accommodating 8 passengers and ample luggage space. The interiors, with a two-tone beige and black theme, are comfortable with dual heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) with roof-mounted ducts. A glasshouse effect with plug-in windows for second row passengers makes it distinctive. Driver comfort has been addressed with power steering, power windows, reverse parking aid, keyless entry with engine immobiliser and rear wipers. Safety features include collapsible steering and side impact beams.

It is powered by a 1.4 Litre turbo diesel engine delivering 70 PS power, with best in class fuel efficiency among diesel MPVs. The Tata Venture will be available in 5, 6, 7 and 8-seater options in 3 row front facing configuration.

The Tata Magic Iris, to be launched this year, is for public transportation, offering safer and more comfortable mobility for those who depend on three-wheelers. Its spacious car-like cabin can comfortably seat four passengers – three at the back and one in the front beside the driver. With its car-like on-road stability and sheet metal roof it provides car-like safety.

The 611-cc water cooled diesel engine, backed by a 10-litre fuel tank, is capable of running larger distances with a top speed of about 55 kmph and yet higher engine life. With its bouquet of features, the Tata Magic Iris will be the ideal small passenger carrier which will upgrade both the quality of public transportation and also the income of their owners.

The recently unveiled 10-to-75 tonne, 150-to-560 PS Prima range of trucks, trailers and special applications has set new benchmarks in India and matches the best in the world in its power, speed, carrying capacity and trims. The range comprises 10 major variants of tractor-trailers, rigid trucks, tippers, mixers and cranes, and special applications. Besides India, it has already been introduced in South Korea, where it has won the prestigious Grand Prize of 2009 Good Design Selection of Korea recognising its excellence in design, functionality, quality and safety.

While expanding its portfolio, the Group is focusing on environment-friendly technologies. Jaguar’s lightweight vehicle architecture, Land Rover’s e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES SERIES, the Nano with the lowest CO2 emission among Indian cars, the Indica Vista EV, to be launched this year, the hybrid Starbus and existing CNG/LPG powered Tata passenger and commercial vehicles are all representative of how the Group is pursuing the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emission and usage of conventional fuels for a low-carbon world.

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Background Information

The Tata Motors Group has unfolded the full scale of its product portfolio and the breadth of its technology capability with a display of 37 vehicles, from the Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover brands, at the Auto Expo 2010, which opened here today. Among them are three new Tata vehicles, the Tata Aria, the Tata Venture, and the Tata Magic Iris. All the three will be commercially launched during 2010.

The Tata Aria, first shown as a concept at the 75th Geneva Motor Show in 2005, blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with the all terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV.

Its unique design and construction ensures that it is as robust as it is elegant and comfortable. The dynamic exteriors bear a distinctive lunging silhouette complemented by a unique A-pillar sweep and a well planted stance. Wrap-around dual barreled headlamps enhance the signature Tata grill, while the chrome underlining the glasshouse creates a distinctive kinetic beltline.

Its 2.2 Litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) diesel engine, delivering 140 PS power and 320 Nm torque, is mated, in the 4x4 option, with an all-wheel drive with torque on demand, which senses and distributes torque to the wheels in accordance with the terrain. Dual mass flywheel reduces NVH to the bare minimum level.

Unlike MPVs or SUVs, passengers can simply walk into the Tata Aria, rather than climbing up or getting down into the compartment. Once seated, one is wrapped in a luxurious world of premium features comprising 3d surround sound, dimming roof lamps, in-dash built in GPS with a state-of-the-art infotainment system, multifunctional steering wheel, dual air conditioning with automatic climate control and cruise control. The plush and spacious interiors come with three rows of theatre style seating. The second row slides and inclines, and the third row can fold flat along with the second to yield a large storage area.

The Tata Aria has established new benchmarks in safety. It boasts of top-of-the-line features like 6 airbags and ESP, offered by an Indian OEM for the first time. A chassis frame, constructed with advanced hydro formed members, coupled with a stiffened body cage, dual zone collapsible steering and airbags make the Tata Aria one of the safest vehicles in an exigency. It meets EEC safety regulations, which includes full frontal crash, offset crash and the side pole tests.

The less than 4 metre long Tata Venture is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with the footprint and maneuverability of a hatchback car, but the interior space of a utility vehicle which can comfortably accommodate 8 passengers and ample luggage space.

The interiors, with a two-tone beige and black theme, are not only spacious, but are comfortable with dual heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) with roof-mounted ducts. A glasshouse effect with plug-in windows for second row passengers contribute to the distinctive design. Passengers have ample storage and stowage space, besides adequate luggage space at the rear. Driver comfort too has been adequately addressed with power steering, power windows, reverse parking aid, keyless entry with engine immobiliser and rear wipers. The Tata Venture’s safety features include collapsible steering and side impact beams.

It is powered by a 1.4 Litre turbo diesel engine delivering 70 PS power, with best in class fuel efficiency among diesel MPVs in the country. The Tata Venture will be available this year in 5, 6, 7 and 8-seater options in 3 row front facing configuration.

The Tata Magic Iris is a four-wheel small passenger carrier in the public transportation space. In keeping with the company’s objective to offer safe and comfortable mobility, the Tata Magic Iris aims at upgrading the quality of travel for those who depend on three-wheelers.

Its spacious car-like cabin can comfortably seat four passengers – three at the back and one in the front beside the driver. The four wheels – either in options of 12-inch radials or 10-inch cross-ply – controlled by a steering provide car-like on-road stability, while the hard roof, made of sheet metal, provides car-like safety. In addition, car-like clear lens headlamps and tail lights also enhance safety.

The steering and the cable shift transmission offer car-like driving ease. The 611-cc water cooled diesel engine, backed by a 10-litre fuel tank, is capable of running larger distances with a top speed of about 55 kmph and yet higher engine life. With a power of 11.3 PS (higher than small three-wheelers), the engine provides higher pulling power, gradeability and faster trips, resulting in higher earnings for the operator. The aggregates ensure lower maintenance cost. With its bouquet of features, the Tata Magic Iris will be the ideal small passenger carrier which will upgrade both the quality of public transportation and also the income of their owners.

Other Passenger Vehicle displays

Tata Pr1ma Concept: The Tata Pr1ma is a concept luxury sedan designed by Pininfarina. It combines the fundamental design characteristics of the Tata brand with sporty curvatures to create a coupe-like silhouette, simple yet refined with an inherent premium. The Tata Pr1ma’s large wheelbase of 2700 mm endows it with excellent interior space that a luxury sedan demands. The subtle treatment of the C pillar, the hallmark of a Pininfarina design’s elegance and sporty characteristic, brings forth a coupe-like sloped cabin and tapering back without compromising interior space. The interior spaciousness is also conveyed by the uninterrupted profile of the four doors. The lines that flow from the front all the way to the rear uniquely balance fluidity and tautness. The hood stretches all the way to the front, transmitting the right expression of power and strength. The rear is defined by a strong tapering of the volume, with the flowing lines coming together. Front and tail lights are described within the overall character lines and stretch the width of the car. The side view too underscores the energy and purposefulness in the car. The result is that the Tata Pr1ma concept exudes an overall elegance, endowed with style, luxury and comfort and proportions that are classical yet modern.

Tata Indica Vista EV: The Tata Indica Vista Electric Vehicle (EV) will be a more practicable option for the consumer: capable of carrying four individuals, adequate luggage space, with a predicted range of up to 200 km and acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds. Tata Motors continues its innovative approach with the Tata Indica Vista EV too, using super polymer lithium ion batteries which have superior energy density to conventional batteries. Tata Motors’ electric vehicles will be produced in association with Miljo Grenland AS, Norway. Tata Motors’ UK subsidiary, Tata Motors European Technical Centre plc, has a 72% stake in Miljo. The vehicle is currently undergoing extensive trials in Europe, and will be launched in select European countries this year.

Tata Indica Vista Sport: The Tata Indica Vista Sport, a concept, reiterates the versatility of the Vista platform. The flared wheel arch trims and accentuated fog lamp slots exude power. The carefully contoured bonnet flares and the black treatment on the Vista’s distinctive petal-shaped headlamps assert its feline poise, made complete with a trendy aerofoil rear roof spoiler. The youthful Alphanso Orange body colour, contrasted with a dark shaded roof, highlights the car’s sportiness, matched with ebony black interiors and black leather seats. Tata Nano for her, and for him: Demonstrating the Tata Nano’s adaptability to customer desired look and personality, two specially conceived LX cars are on display. The Cocktail Red Nano, with attractive floral patterns on the door and the bonnet, is dressed for women. The theme has been replicated in the interiors too – on the seats, door pads and the centre console. It is also fitted with a stop-start feature. The second specially conceived Nano, in Wild Lime colour, will appeal to male sensibilities with interiors of leather seats and leather door pads. Being derivatives of the Nano LX, both are air-conditioned and equipped with electronic trip meter, music system, mobile charger point, central locking, tinted glasses, front power windows and fog lamps.

Tata Indigo Manza: The two Tata Indigo Manza cars in Sardinia Red and English Pewter raise the premiumness of Tata Motors’ new generation sedan to a new high. The completely refreshed interiors with leather seats and trims bring in a luxurious distinctiveness. The Manza is an altogether new car with a feline aggressive appearance. A complete new body on a new platform houses an all new interior. With a length of over 4.4m, a width of 1.7m, and a wheel base of 2,520 mm, the Manza has grown in size and interior space. It is designed to offer the very best in comfort, both for the driver and passengers, compared to any other car in its category. The spacious right inclination rear seats with a centre armrest, allow one to sit back and relax, in a living room like comfort and ambience. The tilt adjustable power steering with a height adjustable driver seat allows a comfortable driving posture. The driver information system on top of the central console provides information on fuel consumption and ambient temperature, while the sporty instrument cluster shrouded in the swoop of the soft-feel dashboard completes the styling statement. A 2 DIN Music System offers connectivity with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity through the Blue5, a feature not even available in premium cars. The audio controls are mounted on the steering wheel. The safety features include a collapsible steering column, ABS and Dual Frontal Airbags amongst others. The drive refinement of the Manza stems from the internationally-acclaimed Fiat 90 hp Quadrajet Diesel and Safire Petrol engines.

Tata Sumo Grande MK II: The recently launched Grande MK II is an upgraded version of Tata Motors’ premium Sumo offering, with substantial changes in the exteriors and interiors and improvements in driveability, ride and handling and comfort. The exteriors have been accentuated by a new chrome lined grill, side rub rails with chrome inserts and indicators on outer rear view mirrors (ORVMs). The interiors have been refreshed to give the vehicle a completely new, contemporary look with a two tone theme complemented by a new faux wood centre console, and new upholstery. The vehicle on display also sports an attractive cap on the dashboard, new leather upholstery, a special captain’s seat in the second row, and alloy wheels. The changed drive ratio of the Grande MK II boosts low speed performance in city driving conditions. While a modified suspension ensures a comfortable ride, optimised anti-roll bars reduce body roll to a minimum during cornering. Other improvements include a smaller steering wheel with floating horns, a grab handle on the ‘C’ pillar to aid egress of third row passengers, and new inner door handles. It carries forward the class leading features of the earlier version -- best in class third row seats and lowest turning circle radius of 5.25 metres in the category, one of the best fuel efficiencies in its class, dual HVAC with roof integrated louvers, motorised ORVMs, height adjustable driver’s seat and a state of the art CD/MP3 music system. It is powered by the new generation 2.2 litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) engine fitted with a variable geometry turbocharger which delivers maximum power and torque of 120 PS and 250 Nm respectively.

Tata Xenon XT, Model year 2010: The Model Year 2010 Tata Xenon XT (Cross Terrain) is now BS IV compliant. The lifestyle 4-door, 5-seater pick-up combines stylish on-road presence, now even more accentuated with a chrome plated grill and silver roof rails. The interiors now sport a new beige colour scheme with matching upholstery complemented by new faux wood on the centre and floor console. A new CD/MP3 music system makes the comfortable interiors, accommodating five passengers in two rows, even more enjoyable. ABS and wider 235/R16 tyres sitting on stylish new alloy wheels complement the power and off-roading capability of the vehicle coming from a 2.2 VTT DICOR engine, a 4x4 option with an electrical shift-on-the-fly mechanism and a limited slip differential. The Xenon XT can be customised to suit individual tastes and styles through a wide range of accessories such as bed-liners, fog lamps, canopy, boot lid or rollover bars.

Tata Safari, Model year 2010: The Tata Safari, in its model year 2010, has been made BS IV compliant and further embellished. The country’s first indigenous thoroughbred 4-door SUV now sports accentuated exteriors and refreshed interiors. The exterior enhancements include chrome plated grill and chrome plated ORVMs. The interiors have been completely refreshed in a dual dark graphite and beige theme with tan-coloured leather upholstery and door inserts, a new instrument cluster and faux wood in the centre console. This further enhances the attractiveness of the Safari which, in the top end version, already comes with ABS, dual airbags, reverse guide system and DVD/MP3 system with dual LCD screens. The Safari range comprises four variants in 4x2 and 4x4 versions.

Other Commercial Vehicle Displays

Hybrid low-floor Tata Starbus with electric traction: The new hybrid Starbus, a concept, is a result of Tata Motors’ advances in alternate fuel technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and consumption of conventional fuels. Meant for intra-city transportation, it is powered with a series hybrid engine comprising an internal combustion CNG engine and three lithium ion batteries mounted on the roof. The CNG engine charges the lithium ion batteries through a generator, and the batteries in turn power the driveline. The regenerative braking system also helps in charging the batteries. The electric traction system (induction motors with summation gear box) provides smooth acceleration & the driveability of a vehicle with automatic transmission. The new hybrid Starbus delivers over 25-30% improvement in fuel economy.

The low-floor (floor height: 400 mm) air-conditioned bus can seat 35 passengers, and can also accommodate wheel chairs. Pneumatically operated in-swing and out-swing flat doors and kneeling facility allow easy entry and exit, reducing halt time and trip lengths. Full air suspension and telescopic double-acting shock absorbers provide excellent ride quality, while an energy-efficient HVAC system with air curtains at the doors enhances comfort. With high starting acceleration, and a maximum speed of 70 km, the hybrid Starbus is an innovative solution for fast and comfortable intra-city passenger movement in an environment-friendly manner.

Tata Starbus with automated manual transmission, on a new chassis range: Tata Motors has developed a brand new platform for fully-built buses and chassis. With a choice of 10 chassis platforms (with and without front overhang), the new range can render itself to 33 different seating and comfort – standard, semi-luxury, luxury -- configurations of fully-built buses for intra-city, tourist, school, and office transportation in budget, comfort and luxury options. The variant on display is a 27-seater.

The range meets the requirements of the proposed bus body code. The spacious interiors, parabolic leaf-spring suspension with anti-roll bar both at the front and rear, engine-driven air-conditioning and lowest NVH in its class, provide excellent ride and comfort. It can be adapted to both single and double door options and is powered with a new generation Tata 3-litre DICOR BS-IV compliant engine. Power steering, both tilt and telescopic type, and automated manual transmission (6-speed cable shift) make maneuverability easy. Tata Motors will market the bus, both as a fully-built unit and as a chassis for customers to design their own configurations.

Tata Prima range: Tata Motors has ushered in a new era in goods transportation with the Tata Prima range. The 10-to-75 tonne (GCW), 150-to-560 PS portfolio -- with options of engines, transmissions (also automatic), axles -- in its power, speed, carrying capacity, operating economy and trims, introduces new benchmarks in India and matches the best in the world in performance at a lower lifecycle cost. Besides India, the range has already been introduced in South Korea, where it has won the prestigious Grand Prize of 2009 Good Design Selection of Korea recognising its excellence in design, functionality, quality and safety. Jointly developed by Tata Motors, Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Company and the Tata Motors European Technical Centre plc, it deploys the best of inputs and technologies from the best of sources in countries like Italy, Germany, Sweden, the US, Japan and South Korea.

The range, from which a few models are on display, comprise about 10 major variants of tractor-trailers (for long distance transportation), rigid trucks (for short distances), tippers, mixers and cranes (for construction and mining), and special applications (like reefers, bulkers and tip-trailers). The air-conditioned cabs come in different lengths and heights, and are loaded with features like reclining seats, adjustable steering wheels and a host of other attributes, for driver comfort and safety. The range is designed to meet stringent safety norms of the markets that it will be sold in.

LPT 1613 CNG truck: The CNG-powered 1613 truck has been developed both for intra-city and inter-city operations. It has a range of about 450 km with one filling, and offers excellent operating economy. It is ideal for transportation of goods like LPG cylinders, dairy products, cement and fly ash both within and between cities. It can also be adapted for municipal applications.

Xenon CNG: The Xenon CNG, already launched in Thailand, the world’s second largest pickup vehicle market, is yet another testimony to Tata Motors’ commitment to alternate fuel technologies. It is configured as a mono-fuel factory-fitted CNG vehicle, thereby offering the customer distinct advantages, over an aftermarket CNG converted vehicle, like optimal power & torque, better fuel mileage (12 km per kg), smoother ride and higher levels of safety. Its frugal fuel consumption, a payload of over 1 tonne and the largest flat bed in its class (2.5m x 1.72m) makes it an ideal vehicle for carrying varied loads while offering the customer extra savings. It is powered by a 2.1 litre Tata engine churning out 115 hp @ 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 175 Nm @ 3750 rpm.

Emergency Management Ambulance on new Winger: The new Winger ambulance, specially developed as a concept, is meant for emergency response in critical situations. Equipped with a laptop and V-sat connectivity, it facilitates communication between a hospital and the ambulance for patient management even in transit. The air-conditioned cabin (the AC unit is roof-mounted), with fresh-air ventilation and demisting facility, has a cardiac monitor/defibrillator, oxygen delivery system, IV fluid hooks, cctv, intercom, 12-volt DC plug points, 230-volt AC plug points, external charging ports. It also provides ample internal lighting, including tube lights, spot lights, examination lamp to help patient monitoring. Stretcher types include trolley, scoop, spine board, pedi board, wheel chairs and head racks. A 1,948 cc engine, delivering power of 90 PS and torque of 190 Nm, ensures speedy evacuation, while high-intensity blinkers, external floodlights, beacon light with horn and integrated public announcement system help clear busy roads. The ambulance has been specially created with DC Design, demonstrating the versatility of the Winger.

About Tata Motors

Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of Rs.70,938.85 crores ($ 14 billion) in 2008-09. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has an industrial joint venture with Fiat in India. With over 4 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. It is also the world's fourth largest truck manufacturer and the second largest bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America. (www.tatamotors.com)- Ends -

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