Tata launches Divo, Starbus Ultra

Tata Motors launched its Divo luxury coach and Starbus Ultra in Mumbai. Both buses were launched for the North India market some time ago. While the Divo, a global brand under the Tata–Hispano name is meant for inter-city transport, the Starbus Ultra is targeted at the schools, offices and the hospitality sector.

The Divo offers customised interiors and a gamut of comfort features including personalized AC controls and reading lights, an on-board refrigerator, mobile charging points, to mention a few features.

The Starbus Ultra will be available in Luxury, Standard, School and Delux variants and in seating configurations from 22 to 46 seats.

Both buses are Tata-branded and are being offered to customers as fully-built solutions. While the Divo (BS 3) will cost Rs 66 lakh, ex-Thane (with AC, and reverse camera features), the Starbus Ultra (BS 3 version) will cost between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 22 lakh.

The head of Tata Motors’ CV business unit, Ravi Pisahrody, said the Ultra is based on a new LCV platform. The Starbus Ultra caters to a large market, he said, and will supplement the range already available.

The Divo, on the other hand, caters to a smaller market and the company hopes to sell 150 units in the first year.

With regard to the bus market as a while, Pisharody said sales on the medium and heavy bus category is flat as purchases from state transport undertakings has fallen. He said this was a one-step correction and the situation would improve going forward.

Meanwhile, Tata Motors is building a plant for small CVs at Dharwad, Karnataka. The plant, being built at a cost of Rs 800 crore to Rs 1000 core will roll out the Ace, the Magic and the Magic Zip.

Tata already has a bus body facility at Dharwad which has a capacity of 18,000 units. Tatas’ subsidiary, the Automobile Corporation of Goa can build 600-700 units a month.