Tata Motors , the country’s largest automotive maker in terms of sales will be launching its Divo, a luxury AC coach meant for intercity long-distance operations. The Divo will compete with the Volvo and Mercedes buses and is expected to be launched in 2012.
“As of now, five Divos are under trail run on the Indian roads. With Divo, we will directly compete with Volvo and Mercedes on the basis of an international product at an Indian price. So, you can make out that we will be 10 per cent lesser expensive than our competitors,” Mr Tandon added.
The Divo has been styled by Spanish coach builder, Hispano Corracera for Tata Motors and features a BS III compliant 285 horsepower Cummins diesel engine.
According to Tandon, the size of the market is 500 units a year and Tata Motors is aiming to sell 300 units each year. The company enjoys a 50 percent share of the Indian bus market which stands at 70,000 units a year.
Ashish Tandon, head (marketing – buses), Tata Motors, said the variant will compete with Volvo and Mercedes –
“As of now, five Divos are under trail run on the Indian roads. With Divo, we will directly compete with Volvo and Mercedes on the basis of an international product at an Indian price. So, you can make out that we will be 10 per cent lesser expensive than our competitors,” he said.
Currently the segment leader is Volvo who have completely taken over the luxury bus travel in India. Volvo were also planning to launch a hybrid travel bus in India. Mr Akash Passey, MD, Volvo India, said, “We will launch it (hybrid bus) in India as and when we feel that the market is ready. It will take a few years for the market to move to the next level.”
Also see – Tata Hispano Hybrid Buses to run in Madrid
