Tata Motors, India's
largest automobile company, is introducing more commercial and
passenger vehicle models in the South African market. Currently
on display at the Auto Africa 2006 in Johannesburg, these models
will further strengthen Tata Motors' position in South Africa.
In commercial vehicles, new trucks (6 and 10 tonners), tippers
(2-6 cubic metre capacity) and bakkies (1.3 tonne flat bed)
are being launched. These vehicles are aimed at meeting diverse
transportation needs of the country.
In passenger vehicles, Tata Motors is launching the Safari
Dicor, which will be available in early 2007. The company
currently markets the Indica hatchback, Indigo sedan and Indigo
Station Wagon. Apart from being the leading models in India,
they are making forays in chosen overseas markets, including
European countries.
Also on display for the first time at the Expo are two concept
cars — Tata Crossover, a 'crossover' vehicle concept,
and Tata Cliffrider, a 'multi-utility lifestyle vehicle' concept.
Mr Ravi Kant, managing director, Tata Motors, said, "In
a period of only three years, Tata Motors has emerged as the
third largest player in South Africa's commercial vehicles
market, and one of the fastest growing brands in passenger
vehicles. Encouraged by this response, through our presence
in only some segments, our endeavour now is to expand our
range with improved applications, to reach out to more customers
and build a lifetime relationship."
In South Africa, Tata Motors sold over 16,500 vehicles in
2005-06. The models currently being sold are Indica, Indigo,
Indigo Stationwagon in the passenger cars segment, trucks
in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segment and Tata
Novus tippers in the extra-heavy commercial vehicle segment.
Over the years, Tata Motors has emerged as South Africa's
leading player in various segments like 2-tonne, 4-tonne and
8-tonne. It is the market leader in the tipper segment, and
is the number two player in the MCV (medium commercial vehicles)
segment. In passenger cars, Tata Motors' Indigo Stationwagon
has emerged as the best selling estate.
In addition to South Africa, Tata Motors is making strong
progress in DR Congo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar,
Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
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