Tata Motors displays Tata Nano EV at the 80th Geneva Motor Show
Tata Motors today presented at the 80th Geneva Motor Show the Tata Nano Electric Vehicle (EV), based on the award winning Tata Nano platform. When launched, it will expand the company’s electric vehicles portfolio, which already comprises the Tata Indica Vista EV.
Mr. Ravi Kant, Vice Chairman, Tata Motors, said, “Electrification will be an integral part of our initiative to launch environment-friendly vehicles. The Indica Vista EV will be introduced in select European countries, beginning this year. We will progressively introduce electric vehicles in all relevant markets.”
The Tata Nano EV offers the practicality of a real car, compromising nothing in the pursuit of providing environment-friendly personal transportation for the modern consumer.
It will seat four individuals comfortably in its spacious interiors, which the Tata Nano is known for. It will have a predicted range of up to 160 km and an acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds.
Tata Motors continues its innovative approach with the Tata Nano EV, using super polymer lithium ion batteries, as in the Tata Indica Vista EV, which provide superior energy density to conventional batteries.
The company has already displayed the Tata Nano Europa at last year’s Geneva Motor Show, and expects to launch it in select European countries in a couple of years. Meanwhile, in India, the Tata Nano, now being delivered to the first 100,000 chosen customers, has received rave reviews. It has won the 2010 ICOTY (Indian Car of the Year) Award, an award instituted jointly by six auto publications. It has also been individually declared as the Car of the Year by three other auto publications/television channels.
The Tata Indica Vista EV, based on the award-winning new generation Tata Indica Vista, is also a more practicable option for the consumer capable of carrying four individuals and adequate luggage space. Its super polymer lithium ion batteries provide a predicted range of up to 200 km and acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds.
Also on display are the Tata Aria, a mid-range Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with the all terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV, premiered in January in India and first shown as a concept at the 75th Geneva Motor Show, and the Tata Indigo Manza, the recently launched new generation sedan.
The Tata Aria blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range MPV with the all-terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV. Its unique design and construction makes it robust, elegant and comfortable. The interiors, with three rows of theatre style seating, present a luxurious world of premium features comprising 3D surround sound, dimming roof lamps, in-dash built-in GPS, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, multifunctional steering wheel, dual air conditioning with automatic climate control and cruise control.
The Tata Indigo Manza is an altogether new car with a feline aggressive appearance. A complete new body on a new platform houses an all new interior. The spacious right inclination rear seats with a centre armrest, allow one to sit back and relax, in a living room like comfort and ambience. The tilt adjustable power steering with a height adjustable driver seat allows a comfortable driving posture. The driver information system on top of the central console provides information on fuel consumption and ambient temperature, while the sporty instrument cluster shrouded in the swoop of the soft-feel dashboard completes the styling statement. A 2 DIN Music System offers connectivity with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity through the Blue5.
Tata Motors is also displaying at Geneva this year the Tata Xenon Double Cab pick-up vehicle and the Tata Indica Vista. The Xenon Double Cab is available in Italy, Spain, Poland, Thailand, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and several countries in Africa. The Tata Indica Vista has already been launched in South Africa, and will be introduced in the company’s European markets. The other new generation cars of the company on display will also be launched in international markets in a phased manner.
About Tata Motors
Tata Motors is India’s largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of $ 14 billion in 2008-09. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has an industrial joint venture with Fiat in India. With over 4 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. It is also the world’s fourth largest truck manufacturer and the second largest bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America. (www.tatamotors.com )
Background Information
About the 80th Geneva Motor Show
The 80th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show will run from March 4 – 14, 2010. For the press days prior to the public opening, the exhibitors will be presenting a whole host of exciting World and European Premiers. More than 60 press conferences are planned for the day of March 2nd alone.
Due to this great demand it was necessary for the organisers to arrange the conferences to take place in parallel for the first time.
The Geneva International Motor Show is one of the most attractive shows in the world and ranks among the “Top 5 Worldwide” of the most important automobile exhibitions, alongside those in Detroit, Frankfurt, Paris, and Tokyo. It is the only one in Europe which takes place every year.
Tata Motors’ participation in the Geneva Motor Show
Tata Motors started participating in the Geneva Motor Show from 1998 in the 68th International Motor Show. The company that year unveiled two new models, the Tata Indica and the Tata Safari. The Tata Telcosport (Sierra) was also on show.
On display in 1999 were the Tata Safari in Left Hand Drive, a Tata Indica also in Left Hand Drive and a Tata Safari in full rally gear and livery. This Safari was the vehicle that had been driven in the rally from London to Capetown, completing the arduous 18,000 km journey crossing over 24 countries in just 39 days. The Tata Group also availed of the opportunity to unveil the new TATA Group corporate mark internationally.
Over the next two years, the Tata stand became even more exciting with new sporty car concepts such as the Aria Roadster and the Aria Coupe making a preview in Geneva. In 2000, Tata Motors’ elegant pavilion had a two-seater convertible concept car. The company used the occasion to announce the European launch of its B-segment small car, the Tata Indica.
In 2001, making their debut were a coupe and the 3-door Safari concept. Both these concepts attracted enthusiastic response from the international automotive media and auto enthusiasts alike. Built on the same platform as Tata’s current large-sized 5-door 4×4 offering, the 3-door Tata Safari modification had been carried out by Heuliez of France.
In 2002, the unveiling of the Indiva, a new 7-seater MPV concept styled by the Italian design house IDEA, also generated much excitement. Built on the same platform as Tata’s B-segment offering, the Indica, this MPV concept demonstrated the versatility of the Indica platform. Also on display were the other new offerings from Tata Motors, the mid-sized passenger car, the Tata Indigo sedan, also built on the Indica platform, and the sporty version of the Indica, the Indica Sport.
In 2003, Tata Motors unveiled the latest variant on the popular Indica platform, the Tata Indigo Marina. The Indigo Marina showcased features like Dual Airbags and ABS, leather upholstery on seats, leather trims on select interiors and also an in-car entertainment system.
In 2004, Tata Motors displayed the Tata Indigo Advent, a Soft-roader. The Tata Indigo Advent was an extension of Tata Motors’ versatile compact car platform. With the handling characteristics of a car, the roominess of a minivan and the appearance/stance of a Sports Utility Vehicle, the Tata Indigo Advent demonstrated a family-friendly alternative to a larger SUV.
In 2005, Tata Motors unveiled the Tata Crossover, a “crossover” vehicle concept, which has in 2010 been launched as the Tata Aria.
In 2006, Tata Motors, unveiled the Tata Cliffrider, a “Multi-Utility Lifestyle Vehicle” Concept. Sporting a silhouette like a high-slung sedan, the Tata Cliffrider is a dynamic package that combines lifestyle and sporty usage with the practical functionality of a pick-up truck. The Concept showcased Tata Motors’ idea of how a utility product could evolve in future for the discerning customer through a truly multi-purpose, multi-terrain usage of a car.
In 2007, Tata Motors, unveiled Tata Elegante, a sedan based on an all-new platform. The Tata Elegante, larger than the current Indigo sedan, is conceptualised to incorporate 4 cylinder transverse petrol and diesel engines from 1.4 litres through to 2 litres and a compact V6 petrol power unit.
In 2008, Tata Motors showcased the Tata Nano, the People’s Car at the Geneva Motor Show.
In 2009, Tata Motors presented the Tata Nano Europa, intended for a future launch in select European markets. The company also displayed the Tata Prima, the concept luxury sedan designed by Pininfarina.
Tata Motors’ presence in Europe
Tata Motors began exports to Europe in 1992 with the Tata Telcoline, the 1-tonne pick-up truck.
Presently, Tata Motors exports the Tata Safari Sports Utility Vehicle (recently facelifted with a more powerful Direct Injection Common Rail engine), the Tata Xenon and the Tata Indica/Indigo range of passenger cars to Italy, Spain and Poland. Each market has a widespread network of dealers for sales, service and spare parts. In Italy, the Tata Xenon is the third largest selling pick-up with a market share of 12%.
Needless to say, all Tata products in the European market meet the prevalent regulations with respect to safety, emission and drivability. Today, 75,000 Tata vehicles on European roads bear testimony to Tata Motors’ capabilities to address stringent operating norms and consumer needs in highly competitive markets.
