Tata Motors today showcased an extensive range of 18 stunning vehicles and concepts at the Auto Expo 2014 to demonstrate its product strategy for Horizonext. While the Passenger Vehicle products were primarily based on the elements of DesigNext, DriveNext and ConnectNext, the Commercial Vehicles’ key pillars were defined as DesigNext, PerformanceNext and FuelNext.
Tata Motors today unveiled an exciting new premium hatchback, the BOLT and a dynamic and stunning, sub 4-metre compact sedan, the ZEST. On the commercial vehicle side, the company unveiled the Prima CX 1618.T, setting design standards for the Medium Commercial Vehicles, the Ultra 614 with a narrow cab for better maneouvreability and the LPS 4923 LA – the first tractor in India with a lift axle, offering better driveability, longer axle-life and lesser wear and tear.
Tata Motors also showcased concept vehicles and future technologies for passenger as well as commercial vehicles. The Design Concept NEXON, a modern youthful compact SUV, illustrated the new Tata Motors design language and intelligent new-generation HMI. While the ConnectNext Concept car articulated the future of connectivity with its advanced interiors that seamlessly helps connect with professional and personal networks.
In addition, the company displayed next-gen commercial vehicles to bring in clean, green fuel vehicles, for the future of transportation. These included the Magic Iris Electric, a zero-emission, small electric commercial passenger vehicle, fitted with a roof-mounted solar panel for supplementary charging. And the Starbus Urban FE-Parallel Hybrid Bus, with an air-cooled engine, as a clean fuel option for public transport.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, said, “We are now taking our Horizonext strategy ahead, reinforcing our product focus to introducing commercial vehicles that bring the global styling aesthetic matched with enhanced comfort and productivity, push the performance envelope and finally, continue with the long-term commitment towards clean fuel alternatives. And we are delighted to showcase each of these three vectors – DesigNext, PerformanceNext and FuelNext at the Auto Expo 2014. These products translate into a great business proposition, combining low cost of ownership with driver comfort, high performance and best-in-class service based on cutting edge technology”.
Mr. Ranjit Yadav, President, Passenger Vehicles, Tata Motors, said, “In the passenger vehicles business, we have ushered change with aggressive focus on three areas: DesigNext, DriveNext and ConnectNext. While DesigNext introduces beauty-in-motion with the sculpted dynamism of our cars, DriveNext is the new approach to performance, showcased by our next-generation REVOTRON series of petrol engines and the F-Tronic technology with class-defining Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT). ConnectNext is a paradigm shift in Human Machine Interface, offering industry-leading technology in how your car connects with the world”.
The New DNA for Passenger Vehicles
DesigNext: The Company has introduced a new design language – DesigNext - that gives an expression to an excellent combination of sleek, smart styling and enhanced comfort that increases driver productivity. The new design language distills the fine points of auto design with cuts and lines that accentuate modern India and its global citizens. The Tata Motors design teams based in UK, Turin & India have given the vehicles a distinct DNA that makes them stand out in the global marketplace. The Design Concept NEXON – a stylish new compact SUV, the Nano Twist Active Concept – the next in design for the smart city car, the ADD Venture Concept – an active Van for fun and leisure, on-the-go, display the ‘Next’ in Design, from Tata Motors.
DriveNext: It is a new approach to the driving dynamics that offers the driver complete control of a highly responsive machine – from the precision of the steering, to the balance and handling and in the response of the powertrain. Tata Motors displayed technologies that set ambitious benchmarks in the passenger car market redefining ride and handling in vehicles such as the Safari Storme Ladakh, the Sumo Extreme and the Nano Twist F- Tronic.
ConnectNext: Tata Motors personifies the ‘Connected World’ with its ConnectNext Concept car, by offering a new, high-tech and segment leading HMI system and advanced interiors, for customers to stay connected, at all times.
The New DNA for Commercial Vehicles
DesigNext: Tata Motors’ design focus is not limited to the passenger vehicles but truly extends into the commercial vehicles to match world-class looks with a key element of design – to offer comfort even while offering enhanced productivity as a function of design. From the unique, specially designed, Prima CX 1618.T on display, to the stylish new, Ultra 614, a narrow cabin for better manoeuvrability with best-in-class aggregates, to the Ace Zip XL with stylish looks, comfortable interiors, longer load body, Tata Motors continues to draw the balance between utilitarian products that nonetheless offer great styling.
PerformanceNext: Committed to new standards with innovative technology, PerformanceNext is all about catering to customer needs, with new performance standards. For instance, the LPS 4923 Lift Axle, is the first prime mover in India with a lift axle technology, and also the country’s first 6x2 tractor in the 49-ton gross vehicle weight (GVW) category. The resultant hub reduction on the drive axle leads to better drivability, longer axle life and lesser wear and tear of the tyres. The T1 Race Truck, Prima 4038.S Truck, on display, comes with massive power of 370 BHP@2100 RPM and has undergone modifications to match international standards of the Truck Racing environment, in terms of enhanced safety and stands for sheer performance.
FuelNext: With FuelNext, Tata Motors has focused on contributing to a cleaner and greener environment, transport efficiency and driving comfort at its best. The Magic Iris Electric is a clean, eco-friendly passenger commercial vehicle and comes with a segment first solar charger. The Starbus Urban FE - Parallel Hybrid Bus ensures lower emissions, reduced running costs and improved mileage. The front-engined, clean fuel bus provides ease in urban transportation, the Prima 4032.S LNG offers a green alternative to diesel and is also a superior fuel compared to CNG thus ensuring better fuel economy. The Starbus Urban 9/18 FE – Articulated Bus with its single deck and two sections carries more passengers, retains the maneuverability needed in urban transportation. The FE Articulated bus is a solution to reduce traffic congestion.
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