Tata Motors rolled out its 100,000th Tata Ace Zip light commercial vehicle today from its Dharwad facility in Karnataka. The Ace Zip Micro truck is an offering aimed at last-mile cargo transport and is part of the larger Ace family that comprises two other offerings including the Ace and Ace Ex.

In a press statement, Tata Motors said the Zip, introduced in 2011, has provided solutions to the need for a safer, four-wheel, last-mile transport option. Moreover, the company said the Zip has been the basis of for self-employed entrepreneurial ventures and has been leveraged by small businesses across urban, semi-urban and rural areas.

The Tata Ace Zip is the second highest selling variant of the Ace family with an average monthly volume of 2,500 vehicles. Ravi Pisharody, executive director, CV, Tata Motors, said, “Tata Motors’ creation of the Ace in May 2005 and subsequently the Zip went on to create new vehicle categories in India. They represent our commitment to provide safe, cost-efficient transport solutions. Leading the segment with a large 78 percent share, the Zip micro-truck offers a safe and lucrative cargo option.”

Among the many USPs of the Zip is its payload of 600kg and a turning radius of 3.5 metres. The Zip has been used in various applications including as a cargo van, water tanker, dumper, tipper, display van, shop-on-wheels and delivery van. Around 200 dealerships with a total network strength of around 1,800 outlets are involved in retailing the entire Ace family.

Tata Motors also said it plans to undertake major technological upgrades that could include better performance, higher ground clearance, new engines and fuel options like CNG. An electric version is also planned. The Zip competes with vehicles from the Piaggio Ape Truk family as well as Mahindra Gio.

According to industry body SIAM, sales of the Ace family comprising the Ace, Zip and EX totalled 92,295 units for the April-December 2014 period.

Tata Motors’ Dharwad facility, home to the Ace Zip, was built at a cost of over Rs 900 crore.