India's Tata Motors Launches Indica V2

Tata Motors showcases the Indigo Marina, launches the new Indica V2 at Auto Expo 2004

Tata Motors Tata Motors, India’s largest Automobile manufacturer, unveiled its new range of vehicles in the Passenger car and the Commercial Vehicle segments at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2004.

Indigo Marina is a new body execution of Tata Motors’ indigenously developed versatile car platform. Tata Motors had launched Tata Indigo based on the same platform last year and the car has emerged as India’s largest selling sedan. Indigo Marina has premium lifestyle appeal, great space, excellent performance, ride and handling characteristics and has the potential to be yet another popular offering from Tata Motors. The car is set to be launched in the latter part of the year. Its power train choice is adequate, both petrol and diesel versions being available. The diesel variant will have a 475 Indirect injection, turbo-charged engine delivering an output of 62 PS@4500 rpm. The petrol version will have a 475 MPFI engine, with an output of 85 PS@ 5500 rpm. Both versions come with independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a 3-link, independent suspension at the rear, for maximum ride comfort and handling.

Tata Motors also launched the Indica facelift at the Auto Show. The New Indica V2 has been given a fresh new look to appeal to the changing tastes of the Indian car buyer with several new features both to the exteriors and the interiors of the car. The exterior wears a sporty look while the interiors have been refurbished to make the car spacious and give it a more contemporary and premium look. The fascia wears a sleek, new chrome lined-grill and full size alloy wheel covers; front fog lamps enhance the exteriors. The car’s sporty new look is accentuated with new wheel arch fairs and sill valence covers. The car will also be available in many new colours, all of which are designed to give it a fresh appeal. In the interiors, convenience and space have been given maximum attention. The rear seats have been redesigned into a 60:40 foldable split, providing flexible seating options, access to the trunk from the interiors besides releasing additional space.

The New Indica V2 includes a new electronic instrument cluster with dimmer controls and 2 digital trip counters. A tachometer as a standard feature for all models and indication lights for low fuel levels, high engine temperature and open doors add to the appeal. Indica V2 has proved to be one of the biggest

success stories of the past decade. Not only has it established itself as one of the largest selling car brands in the country, the car is seen on the roads in many countries in Europe as well. With the launch of the New Indica V2, Tata Motors is further strengthening the brand’s offer of ‘More Car Per Car.’

Besides these two cars, Tata Motors also showcased the Tata Indiva- its new 7 seater concept in the MPV segment. The Tata Indiva won rave reviews when it was showcased at the 72nd Geneva Auto Show. Built on the same platform that has delivered the Indica and the Indigo, the MPV concept goes to demonstrate the versatility of the platform. The Tata Indiva has been conceptualized as a compact, space-efficient vehicle with an overall length of just less than 4.3 metres. It has a high seating position, which enhances passenger comfort and visibility. The interior layout is flexible with the third row of seats being removable, freeing up the interior space. Sporting 16” alloy wheels, the people’s carrier is more car-like with on-board electronic systems integrating a high level of in-car entertainment, navigation and internet connectivity. The concept has a permanent sunroof and a headliner with LED lighting, which gives the interior an airy, spacious feeling.

Dr. V. Sumantran, Executive Director-PCBU said, ‘The new Tata Indica V2 and Indigo Marina reinforce the Company’s ability to explore and harness the versatility of the car platform and clearly showcase the engineering and technical skills of Tata Motors. The thrust of the company is to continue to adapt our cars to the changing needs of our customers- the global and outward oriented Indians and provide them with a world-class experience in comfort, style and drive’

Introduced in October 2003, the 135 PS Tata Safari EXi Petrol is the first Petrol version offering on the Safari platform. Fitted with ABS and Dual Airbags, this SUV attempts to take work into the jungle. You can sink into the leather upholstered 2+2 executive seating sipping a chilled can of juice to watch your favourite movie after the gruelling mountain biking you just did. The vehicle sports the indigenously developed 2.1 litre, 16 valve DOHC petrol engine which delivers 135 PS at 5630 rpm with a torque output of 195 Nm at 3750 rpm. Besides the 4 valves per cylinder, the petrol engine comes with advanced features such as twin cams and multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) controlled by a state-of-the-art sophisticated engine management system.

Having sold over 2,25,000 vehicles, the Tata Sumo is among the top 10 brands in the passenger vehicle industry and the second largest selling brand in the UV segment. The top of the line Sumo Ex+ wears a sporty new look with leather upholstered seats, matching soft-touch dashboard , an aggressive front guard and a stylised side-step. The new tail lamp adds a dash of modernity to this symbol of urban personal transportation.

Tata Motors is the second largest seller of passenger vehicles in the domestic market and enjoys a 15.7% share of the total industry. It retails 4 models across three segments- compact, mid-size and utility vehicles- with 3 of its models being among the top 10 selling brands in the country.

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