Date:18/02/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/02/18/stories/2004021801250300.htm

Back Tata Motors launches LCV variant

Our Bureau

The Tata SFC 407 Ex Turbo vehicle which was launched in Bangalore on Tuesday. — G R N Somashekar

Bangalore , Feb. 17

TATA Motors on Tuesday launched its latest offering in the light commercial vehicle segment (LCV), SFC 407 EX Turbo.With a 59 per cent market share in the segment, the company hopes to further consolidate its position through this new technology LCV. The new Tata 407 EX comes with an enhanced fuel efficiency and an increased payload capacity, which will help in better economies of operation.

Mr Shyam Mani, Vice-President (Sales and Marketing- Commercial Vehicles) said during the launch that the company sells about 2,000 vehicles of the 407 EX versions. The new version is the result of feedback from the customers who gave their preferences on fuel efficiency, cabin comfort and safety and it has been remade on the same platform of SFC 407, introduced in 1986, he said. Consequently, the LCV has an overall saving of operational cost by 20 per cent with a slightly higher payload.

Meanwhile, the company has embarked upon a new business strategy to increase its presence in international market. It recently bid a proposal to take over the commercial vehicle plant of Daewoo in Korea and was eagerly awaiting the finalisation of the proposal.

The company already has a joint venture in Bangladesh while it was awaiting firming up of a proposal from South Africa, which plans to buy 1.5 lakh mini-buses to replace its old generation vehicles.