TATA launches two new commercial vehicles

Mumbai, Jun 19: Tata Motors have launched the 'Magic' and the 'Winger' passenger vehicles at their Pune plant.

With the double launch, Tata hopes to change the way the average Indian travels and has spent Rs 150-200 crore in developing the vehicles. Both the vehicles have been produced at the company's Pune plant and are being launched nation-wide starting with Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Speaking at the launch yesterday, Commercial Vehicles ED P M Telang said, ''Both the vehicles were produced keeping the average consumer in mind.'' The Magic, developed on the platform of the successful Ace, is designed as a maxi-cab for small towns and rural areas, and resembles a large golf cart or an auto-rickshaw. Fuel efficiency, safety and raggedness have been priorities for the Magic. The vehicle has a minimalist feel, and is rather cute to look at with ample room for seven passengers.'' The Magic is powered by a 16 HP 700cc water-cooled diesel engine, which can deliver a top speed of 64 Kmph fully loaded with seven passengers and four-forward gears. For safety, the Magic is fitted with seat belts, static roll over bar and a large front windscreen.

The mileage figures have not been disclosed by Tata, but can be expected to be in the range of their hot selling Ace. The Magic will sell for Rs 2.6 lakh and meets the BS-III emission norms along with being backed by a 36,000-km/ 12-month warranty.

The Winger on the other hand is aimed at both the rural and urban markets with a two-litre turbo charged diesel engine, power steering and five- forward gears. The design is also more refined and up-market than the Magic. The Winger can carry nine to 13 passengers in all-front facing seats, and has a neat console panel.

Tata has thrown in a number of goodies as standard - magazine pockets, bottle holders, spot lamps and grab handles. The safety equipment is also comprehensive with seat belts for every seat, child lock, fog lamps and a demister.

The Winger will come in three classes- Standard, Deluxe and Luxury with 11 variants. The Speedo of Winger stops at 160Kmph, while the company has not disclosed the mileage. The Winger has been tagged at Rs 4.7 lakh, a 1,50,000 km/ 18-month warranty, and meets BS-III emission norms.

Though Tata is trying to create a new 'maxi-van' market, away from the passenger car market, the Winger will invariably be locking horns with a number of vehicles in the fast selling MPV segment.

The company's service fleet will meet all the after sales service.

Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with revenues of USD 7.2 billion in 2006-07. It is also the world's fifth largest medium and heavy truck manufacturer and the second largest heavy bus manufacturer. With over four million on the road, Tata has 64 per cent of the commercial vehicle market in the country.

UNI