Tata Motors launched Aria and displays commercial vehicle range at the Johannesburg International Motor Show

Tata Motors range of vehicles at 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show –

 
Tata Motors recently launched the versatile, Tata ARIA, a crossover for South Africa and unveiled the Tata Prima KL3TXF 6X4 Truck Tractor and the Tata Ultra 812 Truck, at the Johannesburg International Motor Show 2013. The recently launched new generation bakkie, Tata Xenon XT was also on display along with the Tata Prima Tractor, Tata Prima Box-Tipper, Tata Super ACE in Hall 5 and the Tata Vista D90, the Tata Manza Club Class and the Tata Storme in Hall 7, respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Tata Motors’ Managing Director, Mr. Karl Slym said, “South Africa is one of the focus markets for Tata Motors. We see tremendous potential in the market needs and are confident of designing products to cater to the consumer’s needs here. The new Tata Aria, the Tata Prima KL3TXF 6X4 Truck Tractor and Tata Ultra 812 Truck will be introduced in South Africa in 2014, which will bolster our extensive vehicle portfolio in the country. These products benefit from our innovations and deep understanding of the South African customers. With Horizonext, we have embarked on a journey with a commitment to excite our customer globally and we look forward to unfold our strategy in South Africa for a deeper presence in this market.”

According to Mr. Noel Tata, Managing Director, Tata International Limited, “Africa is a focus market for the Tata group and we see a tremendous potential in this region. We began our relationship with Africa in 1977 with the import of Tata Motors vehicles for Zambia. Today, we sell Tata Motors vehicles in over 11 African countries. We introduced our trucks in South African market in 1999 and cars and bakkies in 2004. Since then, we have come a long way in terms of our product offerings and customer service and the result can be seen in more and more customers preferring to buy our products over competition. With the introduction of the new range in the Johannesburg International Motor Show, we will further strengthen the Tata brand in Africa.”

The Tata Aria continues to evolve the new Tata Motors design language in the passenger vehicles portfolio and will be available across Tata Motors Authorised Dealerships from early 2014.

The Tata Aria comes with sporty and dynamic exterior design and a wide usage of chrome grille makes the Crossover look aggressive and handsome. With a clean sheet new design on the interiors, plush leather seats, add to the luxurious experience. It’s body is on frame structure and it offers an impressive array of safety features – special crumple zones and side impact beams designed to reduce the deformation of the passenger compartment. Six airbags, including side airbags and inflatable curtain airbags, an excellent suspension system, with independent front and coil beam rear axle combined with the vehicle’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) for safer dynamic vehicle behaviour under all driving and weather conditions. Standard disc brakes on all four wheels combine with Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Ultrasonic distance-sensing parking aid ensure complete safety.

On the commercial vehicles sides, the company today unveiled the Tata Prima KL3TXF 6X4 Truck Tractor. It is designed considering the needs of a South African customer after multiple interviews, customer clinics and testing cycles in South African conditions. It is fitted with the latest gearbox model (FO-18E318B) of Eaton that guarantees high torque performance (2509Nm@1200 rpm), to provide powerful gradeability in high slope areas. Luxurious and high standards of design and function have been used in the cabin for high habitability & driver comfort.

The Tata Ultra 812 Truck was another star attraction unveiled today. Powered by a 497 TCIC Euro 3 compliant engine, the Tata Ultra 812 truck’s low reving engine will ensure better engine life and durability. In addition to this a high torque of 400 Nm at a lower rpm of 1300-1500 ensures lesser gear shifts and improves the fuel economy. The truck comes loaded with features like dash mounted gear level, utility socket, music, digital clock, cab tilt lock indicator, low fuel level indicator lamp, brake lining wear indicator, air filter service electrical indicator and water in fuel indicators. The Tata Ultra 812 comes with a walkthrough modern cab and has a seating capacity of driver and 2 crew members. It is well suited for applications like general freight, bakeries, courier services, short distance deliveries, and so on.

Mr. Manny De Canha, CEO, Associated Motor Holdings, said, “We aim to continuously scale up on the foundation created by Tata Motors over these years. The company has developed a new and impressive portfolio of vehicles. Accordian Investments is proud to be associated with a brand that is gaining global recognition. Tata vehicles are known to offer high value propositions with their design, built quality and performance. We will continue to support these products by offering high quality after sales service to offer the South African customers best vehicle experience.”

Tata Motors also displayed, for the first time at the Johannesburg International Motor Show a wide range of other passenger vehicles, laden with latest technologies delivering better comfort, convenience, performance. These include the latest SUV offering, the Tata Storme, as well as the latest in its current range of hatchbacks and sedans, the Tata Vista D90 and the Tata Manza Club Class. Tata Motors will launch these models in South Africa during the course of 2014.

In addition, the company also displayed the recently launched Tata Xenon XT, the Tata Prima 4938S 6X4 tractor, the Tata Prima 2528K 6X4 10cum box-tipper and the Tata Super ACE, the new-improved 1 ton-truck.

Tata Motors started exports to South Africa in 1998, with commercial vehicles and exports of passenger vehicles began in 2004. The models currently being sold in South Africa are the Tata Indica and Tata Vista Hatch Back and the Tata Manza Sedan, from the passenger vehicles business and a wide range of commercial vehicles. So far, over 71,000 Tata vehicles ply on South African roads.

The company, began its international footprint, established through exports since 1961 and today, has presence in over 60 markets (for both PVs & CVs). With tremendous global experience, the company brings, deep understanding of customer expectations, from diverse markets and is well positioned to cater to ever changing automotive norms and consumer trends, across the globe.

Also see – Tata Motors Display & Offer Smart and Strong Mobility Solutions in IIMS 2013