Tata Manza Club Class: Updated Manza Sedan

Tata is one of the leading car sellers, thanks to cars like Indica Vista, Manza series, Safari and the Nano, but for the past couple of months the sales are declining at a rapid pace. Especially the Manza line-up, which has experienced a decline of 46 % for the month of August only, as against its sales in August 2011.
Now as per what TeamBHP member Akhilesh is reporting, Tata has refreshed the entire Manza line-up for the year 2012 and will launch the same on 3rd October. This month is going to be very important for all the car makers as it is when the festive season will start and Tata does want to improve its sales during this time.
The new Tata Manza Club Class equips some great and exciting features for prospective buyers and there is even a new engine option available. There is a new 75 PS Quadrajet diesel engine available in the base LS variant whereas earlier there were only 90 PS Quadrajet and 90 PS Safire engines for the entire line-up.

Tata Manza Club Class Highlighting Features

• Touchscreen Multimedia Navigation
• Auto Climate AC
• Italian Leather Upholstery
• New Design 8 Spoke Alloy Wheels
• Better Quality Seat Fabric
• More Chrome
• Contrast Roof

Even the nomenclature of the variants have been revised and it is as follows:

• LS (Aqua)
• LX (Aura)
• VX (Aura ABS)
• EX (Elan)
• EXL (New)

There are five variants in total for the Tata Manza Club Class now which are as below:

• LS(Aqua)
  • 1.3L 75PS Quadrajet Engine
  • Additional Chrome
  • New Seat Fabric
• LX(Aura)
  • Additional Chrome
  • New Seat Fabric
  • Electric HVAC

• VX(Aura ABS)
  • Additional Chrome
  • New Seat Fabric
  • Touchscreen Navigation
• EX(Elan)
  • Additional Chrome
  • New Seat Fabric
  • Touchscreen Navigation
  • Automatic Climate Control
  • Contrast Sunroof
• EXL(*New)
  • Leather Upholstery

The pricing and official launch will be announced on October 3, 2012. Stay tuned for the pricing and more updates on the same.

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Nano Sets New Standards For Low Cost Vehicles

The Tata Nano might not have been a commericial success in the Indian market straight away, but there is no doubt about it that there it has been through some serious technological development cycles. And it is not India who is alone admitting it. Recently a top US official also commented that that Tata’s small car, the Nano has set new standards for low cost vehicles. He mentioned this in an open-ed in the Huffington Post.

He lauded the Tata Nano as being a prime example of innovations being used for the affordable things for the masses. He also added that innovation is not limited to the developed world. Increasingly, innovative ideas and products originate in emerging markets where there is a growing number of research centres, innovative scientists, and highly entrepreneurial businesses. Mr. Robert D Hormats, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy also mentioned that the $3000 developed Tata Nano haS set new global standards for low cost vehicles.

Tata Motors has filed for many patents since its development to protect the innovations under intellectual property. The US official also added in his note that the Internet, social media, and new mobile phone applications afford an opportunity to collaborate and innovate on a previously unimaginable scale. But such innovations can only be encouraged through additional Govt support and support and free exchange of ideas and reward risk-taking through protection and enforcement of IP rights.

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Confirmed! Tata Nano Diesel Caught On Test

As soon as the 2012-2013 Union Budget arrived, every company’s dreams got re-fueled by diesel ofcourse. The diesel car projects which have been derailed for a while now are back on track in full throttle. The most awaited and most discussed diesel car since long time – Tata Nano Diesel has finally showed up. Every other Nano with temporary plates were being stamped as diesel and was creating news for every one of us. But this time thanks to Rohan, a reader of IndianAutosBlog.com, the Tata Nano Diesel was caught on test. This time the proof can be seen in the image clearly. Nano was standing at a fuel station in front of a diesel pump! Now this is solid proof of the Nano diesel doing test rounds and its launch is near but no sooner than early 2013.
Also as seen in the images, changes have been done to rear and front bumpers. We think the rear bumper have been made a little bigger, may be to accommodate a slightly bigger engine. The exhaust has been shifted to the right as compared to the center in petrol model. The diesel Nano may get an open able boot as well, as image is showing highly camouflaged rear boot.

The Tata Nano Diesel will have a CRDI Diesel Engine from Bosch. The detailed specifications have not been announced as yet, but it is expected to be around 0.7-litre engine with a maximum power output of about 30 BHP, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The main USP of the Nano diesel is its fuel efficiency, 40 km/l. At 40 kms per litre, the running cost of the new Nano will be Rs. 1 per km. The capacity of the fuel tank is expected to be 15-litres. Now overall this proposition makes sense in present scenario. As being said by many people, it may put a challenge before the 2-wheeler industry as well, as running costs are almost Rs. 1 per km. Whatever it may be, the Nano diesel will only come next year.

Spy Picture Source – IAB

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Tata Working On Left Hand Drive Nano

Tata Motors is said to be working on a left hand drive version of the Nano for export markets. The company is already achieved significant progress on the left hand drive Tata Nano, which will be sold in markets including South America, Afric and South-East Asia. Current Tata Motors sells the Nano in Sri Lanka and Nepal, with sales expected to start soon in Bangladesh. Local assembly in Bangladesh is a possibility. Tata Motors feels that countries which are similar to India offer very good potential for the Nano.

But exporting the Tata Nano as a completely built unit won’t be an option for Tata Motors because under-developed and developing markets have extremely high import duties. Thus the company is looking at assembly operations in such countries and an announcement is expected within the next four months. This will also result in Tata Motors investing heavily in these countries to set up their own assembly operations. The company could also tie-up with a local partner to do the assembly.
The commencement of export operations to left hand drive countries will enable Tata Motors to best utilize the plant capacity at Sanand. Currently Tata Motors is only manufacturing 12000 units, resulting in 40% idle capacity. Last month Tata Motors sold a record 10,475 units of the Nano in India, which is the highest sales the world’s cheapest car has achieved in the domestic market till date. The company is also working on more powerful petrol engines for the Nano, to be launched next year.

Source – Business Line

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Tata Motors Replacing Anti-Roll Bar Bush On Manza

The Indian automotive industry is a very sensitive one and any incident of part-change or recall being carried out by an automotive OEM is not looking upon with a good intention. So, sensitive is the market that sometimes some automotive OEMs dread to announce any recall activity and instead take up some different steps to replace the parts of their vehicles. One such example is Tata Motors. Back last year, the company had announced their 1.4 lakh Nano customers to bring back their Nano vehicles to the nearest dealerships.
The call was done to replace the starter motor being fitted in the car with a new one, one possible cause of the several fire incidents involving the car. The company however, declined the term “recall” and rather stated that this was just being carried out to replace the starter motor of the cars with a new and better one. Now, Tata Motors has again launched a similar activity with their sedan, the Tata Manza in which the company is replacing the plastic component called anti-roll bar bush which is connected to the suspension of the car.

According to Tata officials, there have been no customer complaints till date regarding the same part and the company is replacing the part free of cost. The new anti-roll bush is sturdier than the older one. The company is not recalling any Manza vehicles but will be replacing the bush with the new one when the cars are brought to the service centres. All the Manzas running on the road today will be covered under this replacement activity.

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Tata Showcases Safari & Xenon For The Defence Forces

Tata Motors has unveiled quite a few solutions for Defence Forces at the DEFEXPO India 2012. One such vehicle includes a new Micro Bullet-Proof Vehicle, but we would be talking about the Safari and Xenon. The company has showcased the Tata Safari GS 800, Tata Safari Storme Armoured and Tata Xenon Recce 4×4, which as the name suggests are the said vehicles with additional features for the Defence. Prices haven’t be revealed and one can’t buy it either, but it is interesting to note the features and changes on these vehicles, so head down to checkout the various difference and specifications on these models..

Tata Safari Storme GS 800 4×4

Application
• General Service vehicle for the Armed forces
• Escort Vehicle
• Staff Car
• Patrolling Vehicle

Mobility
• Tata 2.2 L Direct injection common rail Turbocharged Intercooled Diesel Engine
• Max Engine output: 140 HP at 4000 rpm
• Max Torque: 320 Nm at 1700-2700 rpm
• Power to weight Ratio: 33 kW/ton
• Max Speed: 160 kmph
• Fording Depth: 300 mm
• Max Gradeability : 26 deg
• Min. turning circle Dia: 10.8 m
• Payload: 825 kg
• Gross Vehicle Weight: 3000 kg
• Power Steering

Fitments
• AC with 4 speed blower & multidirectional nozzles with provision for adjustable air supply to passengers. Concealed roof A/C for rear passengers.
• Hot air type defrosting & demisting for front windshield glass
• Driver and passenger airbags
• Anti Lock Braking System
• Remote controlled central door locking with Engine Immobilizer
• Separate map reading light for front and rear passengers
• Delayed interior lightening unit (Theatre Dimming)
• Approach light
• Outside rear view mirrors with LH/RH blinkers & defroster, electrically adjustable from inside
• Door safety lamps cum puddle lamps on doors
• Power windows on 4 side doors

Tata Safari Storme Armoured

Application
• VVIP Protection

Mobility
• Tata 2.2 L Direct injection common rail Turbocharged Intercooled Diesel

Engine
• Max Engine output: 140 HP at 4000 rpm”
• Max Torque: 320 Nm at 1700-2700 rpm
• Power to weight Ratio: 31 kW/ton
• Max Speed: 150 kmph
• Max Gradeability: 26 Degrees
• Min Turning Circle Diameter: 12 m
• Payload: 375 Kg
• GVW: 3305 Kg
• Power Steering

Protection
• Ballistic Protection: NIJ level III protection against 7.62 SLR, ball ammunation and AK-47 fired from 10 m distance at 90 degree angle of attack
• Underbelly Protection against 2 HE Hand Grenades
• Glass Protection corresponding to NIJ Level III

Tata Xenon Recce 4×4

Application
• General Service vehicle for the Armed forces
• Troop Carrier
• Escort Vehicle
• Recce vehicle

Mobility
• Engine: TATA 2.2L DICOR BS III, Direct Injection Common Rail Turbo Charged Intercooled Diesel Engine.
• Max Engine output: 140 HP at 4000 rpm.
• Power to weight Ratio: 30 kW/ton
• Steering: Right hand drive with power steering
• Max speed: 120 Kmph
• Fording Depth: 200 mm
• Max gradeability: 32 deg
• Min Turning Radius: 13.5 m
• Operating Temp Range: -25 to + 50 deg Centigrade ambient
• Gross Vehicle weight: 2950 Kg

Fitments
• 360 deg revolving LMG turret with +60 deg/-20 deg elevation /depression,
• 20 liter four jerry cans, mounting outside roll cage structure, ,
• Self recovery winch at front,
• Pick axe and spade
• Tow hook at rear
• 2 kg hand held type fire extinguisher,
• Four ammunition boxes,
• Black out lamps,
• Convoy lamps,
• Map reading lamp

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Tata Motors Launches Divo & Starbus Ultra

Tata Motors has just launched two buses for the Western india (the Divo and StarBus Ultra have been already launched in the North). The Divo intercity and the Starbus Ultra city. The Divo ultra luxury is targeted at the domestic market to take on the likes of Volvo and Mercedes-Benz intercity premium coaches, the Starbus Ultra will be built both for the domestic as well for export to Asian and African markets. The Starbus Ultra as seen before, is targeted mainly at the city transport market and corporate sector.
The Divo intercity bus is powered by a BSIII Compliant powerful Cummins ISBe 6.7-litre turbo-charged, inter-cooled diesel engine that puts out a peak power of 285 Bhp at 2500 RPM and a peak torque of 970 Nm at 160 RPM, which is mated to a 6-speed overdrive gearbox for higher fuel efficiency. Tata Motors claim that the Divo has high engine braking performance thanks to technology like hydrodynamic retarder. The Divo has a top speed of 114 km/h.
Its has also been made very comfortable with addition of personalized controls for AC, reading lights, large luggage space, mobile charging points for the passengers. Driver comfort has also been taken to the next level with electronic accelerator pedal and precision gear shifting for minimizing driver fatigue and easy to read dials on the dashboard. Prospective buyers can choose preferred colour schemes and styling options as well.
While the Starbus Ultra is available in Luxury, Standard, School and Deluxe variants and are available in different seating configurations and different wheelbase options. For each variant, configurations vary from 22-46-seater allowing the customers a very wide range to select to suit their needs. The engine on the StarBus Ultra is the reliable Tata 497 Engine (BSIII compliant) which produces 123 BHP of power and 400 Nm of torque, mated to a 6 =-speed cable shift mechanism providing 30% more reliability than before. Tyres and suspension have been beefed up to provide more comfort and the introduction of a Viscous Fan which is being used first time in this class of buses, resulting in better fuel economy and lower NVH levels.
The Starbus Ultra comes with a Luxury variant, with individual AC vents, reading lamps, push back seats, LCD screen and CD/DVD player provision for each passenger which is available on request. Both these buses have been tested for 3 lakh kilometers to provide hassle free ownership. We were told to expect more buses based on ULTRA platform in the future. The Divo comes with a price tag of Rs. 66 lakhs and the StarBus Ultra starts at Rs. 15 lakhs (all prices ex-showroom, Thane).

- Mohit Soni
Special Correspondent

Tata Motors Launches Divo & Starbus Ultra

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Tata Technologies Launches eMO Electric Concept Car

Tata Motors did turn many heads in Indian Auto Expo 2012 with its futuristic Tata Pixel at the Tata Pavilion. The same kind of enthusiasm was also experienced at Detroit USA when Tata Technologies Displayed their first Full Electric Vehicle by Indian Engineering Services Firm – Tata Technologies. Tata Technologies, a leading global provider of engineering services and product development IT, was selected by Michelin to display its electric MObility (eMO) engineering study EV as part of the prestigious Michelin Challenge Design display at the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit,(January 9-22).

image – Tata eMO Electric Concept Car

“The eMO project symbolizes the coming of age of Indian automotive engineering,” said Warren
Harris, Tata Technologies President and Global COO. “It is a tangible example of the capability of Tata Technologies to engineer a full vehicle – a first for any India-based engineering services company.”

image – Tata eMO Electric Concept Car Side View

The eMO architecture emphasizes “right size” personal urban transportation by minimizing its exterior footprint and maximizing interior space; including seating for four adults. Based upon research of city/urban usage, eMO has the flexibility – with rear seats articulated – to do double-duty as a personal cargo carrier, without the mass and cost of a dedicated trunk.

Tata Technologies eMO EV Concept Official Video

As a ground-up EV study, eMO also incorporates design advantages over an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle like smoother aerodynamic surfaces and shorter overhangs. With sustainability in mind, eMO benefits from a low carbon footprint and a recyclability strategy. To reduce the overall carbon footprint of the manufacturing, assembly and other associated processes, Tata Technologies eliminated the traditional body shop and paint process, and utilizes many green product materials in eMO.

The 2012 Michelin Challenge Design Theme, “City 2046: Art, Life and Ingenuity – Transforming Personal Mobility,” challenged participants to design a personal, ground-based vehicle that can transport between two and 10 people, meeting the anticipated needs of select cities in 2046, when more options for public and private transport will be offered. Michelin challenged entrants to create a vehicle that can inspire, as well as transport. Design winners were invited to be an exhibitor in the Michelin Challenge Design at the 2012 NAIAS beginning January 9 and continuing through the public run of the show. “We are delighted to showcase our eMO concept alongside these innovative ideas,” said Fisher.

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Tata Manza Hybrid Concept Showcases

World over many companies are developing greener vehicles and some of them has managed to bring those into reality like Toyota with their Prius for considerable time. Concern for mother earth and depleting fossil fuels has caused many companies to strive for this shift. Sustainability is what also forcing many companies to work on this, so as they continue to be in this business. Thus moving with the world Tata has showcased their hybrid vehicle Tata Manza Hybrid at the expo. There are no plans to launch this vehicle in near future as it has to be revised and refined over the time to be feasible and practical.
Tata will be currently looking at applying the Hybrid Technology to Manza which they are using in their buses. What the spec sheet reads is 1.05 liter DICOR engine 45kw Electric Traction Motor will be doing duty under the hood. Engine Start/stop system is also a part of it along with regenerative braking. Roof mounted solar panel to extract power from mighty sun. To store all these energy powerful lithium –ion battery will be provided. All these will bring the CO2 emissions less than 90 gm/km.
Feature list includes ABS and airbags as safety features. 6 way powered leather front seats, Intuitive controller screen for various function, 7” Infotainment Touch Screen with Haptic feedback and proximity touch operated door locks are the features which will add bit of luxury and convenience to the car. Bi-xenon and LED headlamps and LED tail lights as well are provided. So as a package Manza Hybrid looks promising and delightful as well. How well it turns into reality is what depends on time and brilliant minds at Tata Motors. If we try to guess the price, it is very difficult to tell at this point of time, but if we take a wild guess it may be priced somewhat around Rs 12-15 lakhs.
Along with Mahindra Verito Electric, Reva, Maruti Desire Hybrid and Tata Manza Hybrid getting ready for future, future of Indian automobile industry feels positive and exciting. But there is long way to go for all these automobile giants. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best. What do you feel about future of us on wheels?

Tata Showcases Manza Hybrid Concept

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Tata Pixel Concept Car- Auto Expo 2012

Tata Motors has showcased many concept cars at the Auto Expo 2012 including the Tata Nano CNG, Tata Manza Hybrid, Vista Sports concept etc. We have already covered a detailed news on Tata Nano CNG here, in this article we will talk of another big stunner and head-turner at Tata Motors Stall – Tata Pixel. Tata Pixel is based on a Tata Nano platform and is a very futuristic car. Tata Motors has exhibited this concept for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011. The Tata Pixel (Tata Nano Pixel) concept is powered by a powerful 1.2 Litre 3 cylinder turbocharged engine with high fuel economy and low exhaust emission.

image – Tata Nano Pixel at Auto Expo 2012

Tata Motors has displaced this concept to gather people’s reaction towards this car and also to exhibit it technical competency as a global player in the automobile space. Nano Pixel is a spacious 4 seater car with modern technologies, smart interface and a very unique Zero Turn toroidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT).

image – Tata Nano Pixel at Auto Expo 2012

image – Tata Nano Pixel at Auto Expo 2012

image – Tata Nano Pixel at Auto Expo 2012

image – Tata Nano Pixel at Auto Expo 2012

image – Tata Nano Pixel Interiors at Auto Expo 2012

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Tata Brings Vista Concept S2 and Manza Hybrid Concept---- Auto Expo 2012

Tata Motors displayed some very interesting concept cars at the Auto expo 2012 some of which are very useful practically like the Tata Nano CNG concept, some of which are more of aspirational high tech cars like Tata Nano Pixel showcased at Auto Expo 2012. Tata also showcased two other cars which attracted a lot of visitors attention, these are – Tata India Vista Concept S2 and Tata Indigo Manza Hybrid Concept. Both these cars exhibited excellent exterior designing with some very interesting features. In this article, we will bring you pictures and details of these two cars from Auto Expo 2012.

Tata Vista Concept S2 Pictures and Details

image – Tata Indica Vista Concept S2

Tata Indica Vista S2 is a sports hatchback concept powered by a turbocharged 1.4 Litre MPFI Petrol engine capable of delivering 140 PS of peak power and 188 Nm of torque to make this car a wheel burn ! To keep up the sportiness, powerful engine is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission by Fiat (C510) with improved gear ratios. It has a kerb weight of just 1152 Kg and has disk brakes in all wheels. It grips the road with wide 205/40 R17 alloy wheels. The stiff suspension and sporty interiors are an icing on the cake ! There are LED and HID projector lights in the headlamp. Large air-dams and front grille with sporty front fascia makes it look very aggressive and attractive at the same time.

Tata Vista Concept S2 Exclusive Pictures From Auto Expo 2012

Click to enlarge the images.

Tata Manza Hybrid Concept Pictures and Details

image – Tata Manza Hybrid Concept
Tata Manza Hybrid Concept car is a Diesel-Electric Hybrid with a small 1.05 Litre Diesel engine and a 45 kW electric motor. The car comes with Automatic transmission for ease of driving and better gear selection for optimum fuel economy. Kerb weight of the Manza Hybrid concept is 1250 Kg. It has an electrical power steering system with independent front suspension with McPherson Struts and semi-independent rear suspension with twist beam and coil springs.

Tata Manza Hybrid Concept Exclusive Pictures From Auto Expo 2012

Click to enlarge the images.

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