Commercial vehicle segment to see 40-50 new offerings from Tata Motors in 2013-14

Mumbai, May 30, 2013: Even as the medium and heavy commercial vehicle market is witnessing a serious slowdown, market leader Tata Motors has an aggressive launch plan of "40-50" new offerings, which will be a mix of new products, variants and refreshed versions of existing models. In 2012-13, the company says it launched 39-40 new offerings.

Key among the new launches in 2013-14 will be the Ultra range of LCVs. These will be trucks ranging from 7 tonnes to 11 tonnes based on the Ultra truck platform.

Speaking to Autocar Professional, Ravi Pisharody, executive director - Commercial vehicles, Tata Motors, said, "We have released a batch of 25 Ultra trucks to customers for trial. Production of the Ultra trucks will be ramped up from next month." June may see the production of around 50 Ultra trucks. Buses based on the Ultra platform were launched late last year. In addition to the Ultra range, the Ace family of SCVs will also see the introduction of five new members, according to the company. The focus on LCVs is aimed to further bolster Tata Motors position in the only growing segment in the commercial vehicle industry. In M&HCVs, Tata Motors says it hasn't seen any signs of a turnaround yet.

On the passenger vehicle business, Tata Motors continues to struggle in a market which is witnessing a slowdown. The company says it has had to do some clean-up in inventory and operations. "We are in better health now," claims Karl Slym, managing director, Tata Motors. The company will showcase refreshed versions of three of its passenger vehicle models in the second half of June.