Home-grown car manufacturer, Tata Motors is planning a new small car, which it plans to slot between the Nano and Bolt. Codenamed ‘Kite’ the car is expected to be rolled out from the company’s Sanand factory by end-2015. The Kite will sport a tall boy design and will be pitted against the Maruti Suzuki Celerio and the upcoming Ford Figo.
Tata Kite speculated rendering (image used as an illustration)
Tata Kite is nothing but the Dolphin that has been rumoured since a long time. The Kite would likely be based on an extensively modified version of the Indica’s platform as developing an all-new platform would incur significant R&D expenses for the company and consume a lot of time. Furthermore, the car might get good exterior styling and a modern interior along with fuel efficient engines.
The Kite will be offered with a petrol engine first while a diesel version will be added later on. We can expect Tata to plonk in a CNG kit in the Kite and make it an amazing choice for those who are looking for efficiency. The Kite is generally targeted at the first time car buyers, and qualities like cost of ownership, ease of driving and reliability are given more preference.
Tata Kite speculated rendering (image used as an illustration)
Tata’s Sanand facility, was originally set-up for the manufacturing of the Tata Nano with a capacity of manufacturing 20000 units a month, but has been manufacturing between 1000-2000 units a month. However, due to the low demand for the car, the plant has been under-utilised. According to the company, the Kite is expected to take up 1,50,000 units per year.
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Also see – Tata Motors working on ‘XO’ or ‘DOLPHIN’ hatchback
Tata Indica replacement in 2015 – to roll out from Sanand plant, Gujarat
Source – Economic Times
