Tata Motors launches new Intra compact truck at Rs 535,000

Commercial vehicle market leader Tata Motors launched its brand-new truck and platform – the Intra – in Chennai today. Calling it a ‘compact truck’ as a new segment in the small commercial vehicle (SCV) segment, the Intra comes after four years of development. Tata Motors says that with extensive market research and customer feedback, the Intra is engineered and built to offer class-leading features, meeting the demanding and ever-evolving requirements of the SCV industry. 

The Tata Intra promises to deliver superior performance, increased payload capacity, high fuel efficiency and durability, all leading to significant increase in revenues and lowest cost of operation to the discerning owners. 

With a best-in-class 2512mm x 1602mm load body length, the Tata Intra comes in two variants – V10 and V20 – with pricing starting from Rs 535,000 onwards depending on the variant. The Tata Intra is powered by future-ready engines, which are scalable to BS VI emission norms. While the Intra V20 comes with a 1400cc DI engine with 70hp, the Intra V10 is powered by an 800cc DI engine delivering 40hp, both offering quick acceleration, faster trips and low turnaround time.

The vehicle has a standard power steering fitment and with a low turning circle radius of 4.75m, it ensures easy manoeuvrability even on narrow and congested roads. The powertrain is tuned to suit various duty cycles using a ‘Gear Shift Advisor’ or economy switch, leading to enhanced fuel efficiency. The Intra also has a 5-speed gearbox with cable shift mechanism offering a pleasurable driving experience.

Speaking at the launch,  Guenter Butschek, CEO and MD, Tata Motors, said, “As the leader in the commercial vehicle industry, we are playing a key role in shaping the CV market by introducing global products based on deep customer insights. We have strengthened our actions under the ongoing turnaround. With intense sales activation, new product launches, continued thrust on cost reduction, we have been able to improve our CV business performance. We want to strengthen our leadership position across all segments we operate in. The Tata Intra is a testament of our unrelenting commitment to introduce products that embody engineering passion and bolster customer value proposition and it will be a game-changer for us in the SCV segment as it offers several industry-first features, setting high standards in the market.”

Commenting on the launch of Tata Intra vehicles, Girish Wagh, president – Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, “Customer preferences are shifting everyday towards better performance, advanced features and higher returns. After thorough research, we learnt about the growing aspirations of new-age customers. These insights have helped us conceptualise and develop the Tata Intra. It is ideal for customers who want to upgrade their commercial vehicles for higher business returns and lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), enabled by proven and reliable aggregates and driving comfort leading to longer, fatigue-free drives. We have always led the industry and created new sub-segments to create demand. The launch of India’s first compact truck fills an important gap in the Indian SCV market and we are bringing yet another game-changing product after our very successful Tata Ace.”

Innovative features
The Tata Intra has a boltable, full-forward robust body shell cabin and has been intelligently designed with a smart nose along with seatbelts with ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor). Built on a hydroformed frame, the Intra is comparatively lighter.

The smartly engineered cabin space, improved ergonomics and low NVH levels, boasts stylish car-like interiors with sufficient storage capacity and comfortable seating, enabling drivers to operate fatigue-free over long hauls, which in turn offers significant improvement in productivity. Modern features such as mobile charging point, electronic instrument cluster, big headlamps, large windscreen, lockable glovebox, storage on dashboard and door trims, headrest for comfort while driving, pre-fitted music system and AC in the premium version to enhance the fatigue-free driving experience.

The gear lever is mounted on the dashboard making longer drives comfortable and tireless for the driver. The front and rear rigid axles and leaf springs ensure superior load carrying capability and low cost of maintenance.

Network strategy and aftermarket services
Tata Motors, which has the most extensive network and extended sales network in the form of Tata Gram Mitra, aims to penetrate even into small towns with the Intra. The Intra comes with an industry best warranty of 2 years or 72,000km, supported by a countrywide network for sales, service and spare parts. Further, reliable and durable aggregates of the Intra combined with its best-in-class spare part prices ensure low cost of maintenance.

Customers will benefit from aftermarket support through value added services under the umbrella of ‘Sampoorna Seva’ including 24X7 workshops, mobile workshops, AMC packages, breakdown assistance and accidental insurance for drivers of the the Intra. Customers will also be offered exclusive privileges under the ‘Samarth program’ for driver wellness, which covers areas like accidental insurance, hospitalisation cover, financial counselling and educational assistance packages for their children.

Autocar Professional's May 15 issue has the Tata Intra as its lead cover story.  

Also read: Tata Motors has a new ace up its sleeve: the Intra

Interview with R T Wasan, VP (Sales & Marketing), CVBU, Tata Motors