Tata launches Xenon at Bangkok Motor Show

New Delhi, Mar 27 (UNI) A day after acquiring Jaguar and Land Rover for 2.3 billion dollars, Tata Motors today is back in the thick of things in the international arena as it launched the Tata Xenon 1-tonne pickup truck at the annual Bangkok International Motor Show.

Tata Motors (Thailand) Co Ltd pulled the wraps off the Xenon, which will be sold from today across Thailand through the company's own dealer network, said a statement.

Over 20 dealers have already been appointed and the network is being progressively extended.

Commenting on this maiden initiative of the company in Thailand, Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata said, ''I am pleased that Tata Motors (Thailand) is launching the Xenon pickup in Thailand. The Xenon pickup has been developed and built in Thailand, specifically keeping the Thai customers in mind. We are hopeful that Thailand and ASEAN region will become key markets for Tata Motors in the near future.'' The Xenon features a 2.2-litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) engine with Variable Turbine Technology (VTT) and intercooler.

The company carried out extensive research in the ASEAN region and finally decided to invest 1.3 billion Baht in Thailand to produce the Xenon pickup truck.

Thailand is reputed as a 1-ton pickup manufacturing destination with a strong supplier base which uses modern technology to produce high-quality products. Initially, Xenon intends to have 50 per cent local content, so that customers can be sure that inexpensive spare parts would be readily available.

The Xenon is assembled at the Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant (TAAP). It is being launched in two body styles: X-tend Cab and Double Cab (4-door). It was first unveiled at the Auto Expo in Delhi in January and will be launched in the country later in the year.

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