Tata
Jaguar Land Rover along with Tata Motors record profit for year ending March 2010
Tata Motors has announced that it has achieved a consolidated net income totaled at 25.7 billion rupees (US$543 million) in the financial year ending March 2010. This is in contrast to a loss of 25.1 billion rupees the same time last year. Jaguar Land Rover which belongs under Tata’s ownership also ended its financial year in the black with a pre-tax profit of 32 million pounds (US$46 million).
This was encouraged by improved sales thanks to the introduction of new models, the overall improvement in the economy and the reduction of its expenses. Jaguar Land Rover had let go about 2,200 workers.
Indian-based Tata took over Jaguar Land Rover from Ford in 2008 for US$2.5 billion. In that year JLR sold 193,982 vehicles and sales dropped in the next 10 months with 167,348 units sold. It was also said that Tata’s earnings were inflated by a foreign exchange gain of 844.7 million rupees.
Tata Nano EV revealed in Geneva, Daimler sells 5.34% stake in Tata
Tata has revealed an all electric variant of the Nano supermini at the Geneva Motor Show. The Nano EV features a super polymer lithium ion battery pack which was also featured on the Tata Indica Vista EV. Unfortunately the company did not reveal more information about the Nano EV’s powertrain.
However the press release did mention that the Nano EV has an estimated range of 160 kilometers and its 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time is figured at below 10 seconds. Tata also revealed that the Nano EV is expected to be launched sometime in 2012. Meanwhile the Euro-market Tata will be introduced in 2011. This model will be slightly longer than the Indian-market Nano and will feature better suspension and brakes with ABS.
In another development Daimler AG has sold its 5.34% stake in Tata. “Daimler is today in an excellent position to capitalize on the growth potential of the Indian passenger and commercial vehicle markets and continues to intensify its own activities there,” the German auto giant said in a statement.
“An equity participation of Daimler in Tata is therefore no longer necessary. This has been done in full consultation with Tata. Relations between the two companies are excellent and will not be adversely affected by this sale,” it added. The sale is said to generate about US$401 million.
Tata Nano to carry a higher price tag in the US
According to some reports, the world’s cheapest car may not be that cheap when it goes on sale in the US in about 3 year’s time. To some this piece of news does not come to a surprise. You’ve guessed it! Its because modifications have to be made in order to get the Tata Nano through US regulations.
There are few things that have be changed including upgrading the small 623cc engine to output lower emissions, the addition of airbags as well as strengthening the roof. The front has to be longer to meet pedestrian safety regulations and the seats has to be changed as well. Even the steering wheel has to be improved. The necessary changes may bump the price up to US$ 8,000 from an initial estimate of US $2,500.
Bosch working on a common-rail diesel engine for the Nano
Bosch is developing a new common-rail diesel unit that will be used in the super affordable Tata Nano. Recent reports indicate that the diesel powerplant features a single cylinder design and that the displacement is about 570cc. The compact engine is expected to produce about 27hp with an adequate amount of torque.
This is part of Bosch’s investment in India where the German automotive supplier will inject Rs 2000 crore (US$ 430 million) in India for a period of three years until 2012. The company plans to manufacture up to two million diesel engines a year by 2013. Bosch is already supplying Tata with brake components, starter, alternator as well as a fuel injection system for the Nano.
2010 Delhi Motor Show: Tata Indica Vista Sport concept makes its presence known
Along with the Aria and the Magic Iris, Tata is also showcasing the Indica Vista Sport concept at the 2010 Delhi Motor Show. The concept is a design study that showcases Tata’s ability in being able to come up with something that breathes a little bit more sportiness and I must admit that it has done a not-too-bad job with this attempt, although I am not fan of the ‘fat’ chrome-like piece on top of the grille.
The concept is painted in Alphanso Orange and features ‘smoked’ headlights and a large lower bumper intake (which looks like its not functional) and side scoops. With the blacked-out roof the rear looks pretty decent with tall taillights and a diffuser insert which is flanked out by what seems to be non-functional exhaust ends.
2010 Delhi Motor Show: Odd-looking Tata Magic Iris set to replace Tuk-Tuks
What you see above could potentially change the streets of India forever. Whether you are in Mumbai or whether you are enjoying a Bollywood film, you are bound to see Tuk-Tuk’s being driven on the streets and usually its many of them. Thanks to Tata that scene may change.
The company has launched the Magic Iris at the 2010 Delhi Motor Show. In its press release, Tata stated that the purpose of the odd-looking vehicle with a front overhang that is much longer than its rear’s, is “for public transportation, offering safer and more comfortable mobility for those who depend on three-wheelers”.
From the looks of the Iris looks like a much better solution and with an expected affordable pricetag, the Iris could fill the streets of India in no time. Most importantly, it can seat five and all of its occupants will be fully enclosed, something a Tuk-Tuk can’t shout about.
The Tata Magic Iris features a tiny 611cc water-cooled diesel motivator and it is capable of allowing the Iris to hit a 55 km/h top speed which is very low but enough if we talking about replacing Tuk-Tuk’s. I hope the price is actually low enough so Tuk-Tuk’s can be fully replaced. Lets face it, its about time for these three-wheelers to be shelved. The Magic Iris will be launched sometime this year.
2010 Delhi Motor Show: Tata’s off-road capable MPV – the Aria crossover
The Tata Aria is one of the few local cars that made its debut at the Auto Expo 2010 in Delhi. First shown as a concept at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show, it blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range MPV with the all terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV, says its maker.
Tata’s most expensive vehicle to date, the Aria is powered by a 2.2-litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) diesel engine with 138 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose the 4×4 option, which is a torque on demand system. This, coupled to the decent ground clearance and ladder frame chassis, means that the Aria should be capable of some mild off-roading.
The seven-seat cabin features equipment such as 3D surround sound, dimming roof lamps, in-dash GPS, infotainment system, multifunction steering, twin blower air con with automatic climate control and cruise control. The seating layout is said to be “theatre style”; the second row slides and inclines, while both it and the third row can fold flat.
The Aria boasts of safety features uncommon for its market. Six airbags and ESP are being offered by an Indian automaker for the first time.
