Tata Motors today introduced what it claims to be the country’s first CNG-powered M&HCVs in the 28- and 19-tonne categories.

Introduced as a part of the Signa platform, the all-new CNG trucks offer the optimal combination of low operational costs, high durability and multiple-use applications that result in higher profitability, the company said in a press note.

It added that these environment-friendly CNG models are also available with varied wheelbase and load deck length options and cowl option for cabin customisation. These models are powered by the proven 5.7-litre SGI engine that generates peak power of 180hp and torque of 650 Nm, come with a modular architecture and offer a range of up to 1,000km.

To set this in a context, Girish Wagh, executive director, Tata Motors said that the company’s fuel road map includes a focus on gaseous fuels such as CNG and LNG. He added that the focus is aimed at enabling its CV range to be net zero in terms of emissions by the year 2040.

Rajesh Kaul, vice president, Sales & Marketing Tata Motors, in a media interaction said that despite diesel and CNG prices narrowing, customers are seeing better savings in CNG as a preferred fuel if prices become a like-to-like basis.

In his view, this is was due to lower TCO and better fuel economy on CNG versus diesel. Kaul claimed that the current range of vehicles can do 700 to 1000 km on a single filling and the availability of CNG infrastructure in regions such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and some parts of Karnataka will encourage greater adoption. 

Focus firmly on minimal downtime, maximum profitability
Tata Motors said that its CNG offerings are among the most fuel-efficient gas engines in the segment and would deliver the lowest cost of ownership. Apart from multi-deck options, Tata said the new range offers dual nozzles for fast filling. In his overall remarks, Wagh stressed upon the fact that the company is committed to ensuring that its customers have the least downtime for the products that they buy so that their operations would be profitable.

ADAS goes on Prima, Signa, Ultra trucks
Among other things, the company introduced its Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), and added features to its range of Prima, Signa and Ultra trucks to enhance driving comfort. A new series of advanced Intermediate & Light Commercial Vehicle (I&LCV) tippers and trucks were also launched to service the evolving multi-application needs, especially of the rapidly growing logistics and infrastructure sectors.

Wagh, in his introductory remarks at the launch of the range of products said the introduction is based on 4 pillars: supporting infrastructure growth continuous improvement in fuel efficiency expanding range of alternate fuel vehicle and safety.

Commenting on the CV industry’s growth outlook for FY2023, Wagh said: "Consumption is at a pretty decent level, leading to good demand for ILCVs and small CVs. We foresee all segments – M&HCVs, ILCVs, SCVs as well as buses – doing rather well and I am optimistic that the commercial vehicle industry should do well this year."

At the start of the event today, the audience stood for a minute in silence in memory of the former chairman of Tata Motors, and the Tata Group, Cyrus Mistry, who lost his life in a car accident in Sunday afternoon.

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