Tata Nano launched

Tata Motors formally launched its prestigious small car, the Tata Nano, in Mumbai on March 23. Keenly awaited across India since its unveiling on January 10, 2008, the Tata Nano is BS-III compliant and comes with an all-new 2-cylinder aluminium MPFI 624cc petrol engine mated to a four-speed gear box and will be available in three variants. The car will be on display across the country at Tata Motors passenger car dealerships and other select authorised outlets from April 1.

Addressing the press at the launch function, the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, said: “The Nano represents the spirit of breaking conventional barriers. From the drawing board to its commercial launch, the concept, development and productionisation of the car has overcome several challenges. It is to the credit of the team at Tata Motors that a car once thought impossible by the world is now a reality. I hope it will provide safe, affordable, four-wheel transportation to families who till now have not been able to own a car. We are delighted in presenting the Tata Nano to India and the world.”

The Tata Nano is currently being manufactured at the company’s Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand in limited numbers. The new dedicated plant, at Sanand in Gujarat, will be ready in 2010 with an annualised capacity of 3,50,000 cars.

The vehicle offers an incredibly spacious passenger compartment which can comfortably seat four adults. With a length of just 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, it has the smallest exterior footprint for a car in India but is 21 per cent more spacious than the smallest car available today. A high seating position makes ingress and egress easy. Its small size, coupled with a turning radius of just 4 metres, makes it extremely manoeuvrable in the smallest of parking slots.
The three trim levels and their key features available at launch are:

Tata Nano Standard (BS-II and BS-III): The standard version, in three colour options, single-tone seats, and fold-down rear seat;

Tata Nano CX (BS-II and BS-III): In five colour options, with heating and air-conditioning (HVAC), two-tone seats, parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes, fold-down rear seat with nap rest;

Tata Nano LX (BS-III): With the features of CX plus complete fabric seats, central locking, front power windows, body coloured exteriors in three premium colours, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holder in front console, mobile charger point, and rear spoiler. Many of these features are not available in current entry-level small cars in the country.

Performance & Specifications

The 2-cylinder engine, delivering 35 PS @ 5250 rpm and a torque of 48 Nm @ 3000 rpm, enables the Nano to have a top speed of 105 kmph and negotiate inclines with a gradeability of 30%. Fuel efficiency of 23.6 km/litre, certified by ARAI under mandated test conditions, is the highest for any petrol car in India. The high fuel efficiency, coupled with a low kerb weight of 600 kg, ensures that the car at 101 gm / km has the lowest CO2 emission amongst cars in India. It is BS-III compliant and is BS-IV ready. It is also available in BS-II norms.
Safety

The Tata Nano safety performance exceeds the current regulatory requirements. It passes the roll-over test and offset impact, which are not regulated in India. It has an all-sheet metal body, reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones and intrusion-resistant doors, besides mandatory seat belts, and complies fully with the existing Indian safety standards. Tubeless tyres, among which the rear ones are wider, enhance safety. The warranty is for 18 months or 24,000 km, whichever is earlier.

Booking

In view of the expected significant demand and limited production capacity initially until the Sanand plant is fully ramped up to capacity, the Tata Nano will be available through a booking mode. An exclusive agreement has been entered into with the State Bank of India to manage the booking process.

Sale of application forms and acceptance of booking will start from April 9 and close on April 25. Forms sold at a price of Rs. 300, with a range of offers from select associate Tata Group companies, will be available at over the 30,000 locations in about 1,000 cities through Tata Motors passenger car dealerships, the State Bank of India (SBI) and its branches, its subsidiaries and associates, other preferred financiers, and outlets of Westside, Croma, World of Titan and Tata Indicom exclusive stores.

After collecting the forms, customers have two options. They can either pay the entire booking amount themselves or seek financing of the amount. For those who seek financing, Tata Motors has entered into agreements with 15 preferred banks/NBFCs for the Tata Nano booking loan product. The booking product offered by these banks will enable a Tata Nano to be booked by paying an amount starting Rs. 2,999 only. Their chosen financier will directly submit their application forms to SBI on their behalf.

Those who choose to themselves pay their entire booking amount can submit their application forms to SBI through the 1,350 notified branches in 850 cites and also at Tata Motors passenger car dealerships, Westside and Croma outlets. Option to submit bookings online is available at www.tatanano.com.

Within 60 days of the closure of bookings, Tata Motors will process and announce allotment of one lakh cars in the first phase of deliveries, through a computerised random selection procedure. These allotments will be price protected for the launch prices till delivery of the cars, but the booking amounts will not bear any interest for the customers. Deliveries will commence from July next.
Applicants have the option to retain their booking deposit even if they do not get allotment in the first phase. Those who choose this option will be eligible for interest on their deposit, effective from the date of announcement of allotment of the second phase, at a rate of 8.5 per cent for retention period between one year to two years and 8.75 per cent for a retention period of more than two years. Allotment of retainees will be simultaneously communicated along with the allotment of the first one lakh cars.

Tata Motors has entered into agreements with 15 preferred banks/NBFCs for the Tata Nano booking loan product. They are the State Bank of India, Tata Motor Finance, State Bank of Patiala, ICICI Bank, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Indore, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Federal Bank, Corporation Bank, Indian Bank and the Central Bank of India.

The Tata Nano comes with an attractive range of accessories and merchandise. The range of merchandise includes a Nano phone, Nano watch, T-Shirts, etc., and will be made available online at www.tatanano.com as well at all Tata Motors passenger car dealerships and outlets. Accessories include alloy wheels, body kits, etc., to customise the Tata Nano to individual tastes.

Tata Motors launches stylish Xenon XT pick-up

Tata Motors has announced the India launch of Xenon XT (Cross Terrain), a life style 4-door, 5-seater pick-up. The vehicle combines stylish on-road presence and comfortable interiors with off-road capabilities of a 4x4.

The tall aggressive stance of the vehicle is complemented by the trademark Tata grill, large wraparound clear headlamps and integrated flared fenders. Side indicators move to the outer rear view mirrors (ORVMs) and roof rails enhance the looks while lending themselves to accessorisation.

Interiors are charcoal grey and can comfortably accommodate five in two rows. The vehicle offers comfort and convenience features like power steering, power windows, central locking, HVAC and electrically adjustable ORVMs.

The Xenon XT is powered by the widely accepted 2.2 VTT DICOR diesel engine with a peak power of 140 PS and a peak torque of 320 Nm. It has a 4X4 with an electrical shift-on-the-fly mechanism and a limited slip differential similar to the Safari. These, combined with a rugged ladder frame structure, a matching suspension and alloy wheels give the vehicle off-road capabilities of an SUV. The load bed is a 1518 mm x 1414 mm area which lends itself to carrying equipment or having fun, as desired.

The Xenon XT can be customised to suit individual tastes and styles through a wide range of accessories such as bed-liners, fog lamps, canopy, boot lid, rollover bars and the like which will be on sale along with the vehicle.

Priced at Rs. 7.62 lakhs for the 4x2 version and Rs. 8.58 lakhs for the 4x4 version, ex-showroom Delhi, the vehicle comes in four attractive shades: white, black, silver and mineral red. It carries a warranty of two years or 75,000 km, whichever is earlier, and will be retailed through 58 Tata passenger car dealerships across 39 cities to begin with.

The Xenon is already being retailed in the overseas markets of Thailand, Algeria, Italy, Poland, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.

Mahindra XYLO unveiled

The ultimate in high-end mobility
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), India’s undisputed market leader in utility vehicles, unveiled the eagerly-awaited Mahindra XYLO at its Nashik plant on January 13. This is perhaps the most complete car with luxury comforts to enter the Indian market with everything that today’s sedans offer, and much more. Available at 57 select Mahindra dealerships in January and another 44 dealerships from February, the XYLO price range starts at Rs. 6,24,500.

“With the launch of the Mahindra XYLO, the era of sedans is under serious threat! The sedan has long been considered the ultimate in high-end mobility, but the XYLO is all set to change this perception. The famed Mahindra DNA of ‘tough & rugged’ meets an unprecedented level of sophistication and luxurious comfort in the XYLO. The ‘Great Indian Traveling Machine’ will redefine the future of road travel in India,” said Mr. Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Mahindra Group.

“The Mahindra XYLO is perhaps the first vehicle in the country which has been completely engineered around the customer. The powerful 2.49 litre mEagle CRDe engine is fuel-efficient and delivers 112 bhp, allowing you to literally fly from 0-60 kmph in just 5.8 seconds. Moreover, the vehicle model offers class-defining lavish space all around such that even a 6ft tall person can stretch in comfort on the third row seat. The XYLO offers an extraordinary level of luxurious comfort at a very cost-effective price for prospective sedan buyers,” observed Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
Sleek contours, coupled with structured edges and the signature Mahindra front grille, give the XYLO the sophistication of a sedan and the aggressive stance of an SUV. Integrated bumpers, chunky alloy wheels and strong curves on the bonnet and fenders add to the car’s stature. Body side cladding with chrome rails and rear lamp clusters with well-defined edges add oodles of panache to the car’s design. All this makes it an eye-catching vehicle on the road.

To complete the picture, the XYLO is available in four exciting variants and eight elegant shades to suit a variety of tastes – be it masculine and powerful or contemporary and classy. These include Fiery Black, Mist Silver, Mint Green, Lucky Lilac, Gold Shimmer, Toreador Red, Java Brown and Rocky Beige.

What makes the XYLO unique and far superior to sedans is simply the manner in which it was conceived and designed. Completely created from the inside out, it keeps all the needs and wants of the would-be passenger in mind. This translates into surprising legroom, both in the second and third rows. Theatre style seating ensures that none of the passengers feel left out of the conversation, even if they are seated in the back row.

Independent AC vents ensure that the surround cool dual AC cools all corners of this spacious car with individual controls for each passenger. The car’s stylish exterior is aptly complemented by plush interiors available in three sophisticated shades – Black, Walnut and Granite.

The Mahindra XYLO is also the only car to offer flatbed front seats, just like in the business class of a world-class airline. Additional unique features include foldable flight trays behind the front seats, individual reading lamps for each passenger and conveniently placed laptop and mobile charging points.

Close attention to the finer details is what makes the vehicle model a winner. The car’s doors are fitted with puddle lamps, giving passengers visibility while alighting from the car at night. Cabin lights shut gradually after a few minutes, giving passengers enough time to settle inside the car. A wide arm rest in the front row provides the driver and co-passengers with comfort, while an integrated foot rest allows easy entry and exit.

Ahead in technology too

One of the most revolutionary features of the XYLO is the tech-savvy Digital Drive Assist System (DDAS). An alphanumeric display in the centre panel, the DDAS has features such as an onboard computer to calculate mileage and distance permissible. The system is easy to read and provides useful data at a quick glance.
Standard information available includes date, time, inside and outside temperature and relative humidity. It also lets you know exactly which direction your Mahindra XYLO is headed in. Press a button, and you are informed of your gear position and speed. The DDAS will even tell you how long your fuel will last and share information on your average speed and the instant mileage clocked by you. All these ensure that you derive optimum mileage from your Mahindra XYLO.

The DDAS also has an in-built warning system which will prompt you to put on your seat belts in case you forget or if you attempt to drive with the handbrake engaged, for instance. The Intellipark Reverse Assist has a visual prompt in the rear view mirror which shows you the distance between the rear bumper and any object behind your car.

The 2 Din entertainment system is also feature packed. It enables playback from MP3s and CDs, SD cards and USB devices, giving you a superlative acoustic experience on the road.

A driver’s delight as well

Plenty of innovation has gone into making the XYLO a superior vehicle to drive. The sporty dials, the centre bezel curves and the advanced DDAS combine to give you the feel of an aeroplane cockpit. The driver’s seat is ergonomically designed with height adjustment control to maximise comfort on long drives. Lumbar support can also be adjusted to three positions, while the unique tiltable steering wheel gives you the perfect driving position. An illuminated keyhole ring allows you to conveniently locate the keyhole even in pitch dark conditions. Utility spaces abound in the Mahindra XYLO with a well-defined Centre Console housing space for CDs, magazines, etc.

This muscular car is powered by a state-of-the-art 2.49 litre mEagle CRDe engine which delivers a power-packed 112 bhp with 24 kg meter torque over a range of 1800 to 3000 rpm. The 2.49 litre engine is meshed with a five-speed manual gearbox and has been built on the Scorpio NEF CRDe engine family with relevant technological advancements.

When a burst of power is needed, the top mounted intercooler delivers. Dual pilot injection increases the XYLO’s drivability scores, while advanced engine damping, hydraulic lash adjustor technology and auto tensioner ensure minimum service frequency and a pleasurable drive. On a long drive, you can zip down the straights with the long wheelbase and multi-link suspension keeping the XYLO composed and rock steady. The vehicle also tackles sharp bends effortlessly and skirts bumps with ease.

Leading vendors from India, Japan, America, Germany, etc., have contributed to the development of the XYLO. To name a few, Bosch, Lear, Motherson, Nippon, Subros, JBM, Spicer, Visteon, Lumax, Alf, Asahi, Sharda, Rane and Varroc have played a key role in creating the model.

Castrol launches CRB Plus and Turbo oils with synthetic technology

Castrol India Ltd. has relaunched its largest selling diesel engine oils, Castrol CRB plus and CRB Turbo, incorporating the synthetic technology. Keeping in line with its position of being a technology leader, the company has once again taken the lead in introducing the synthetic technology in diesel engine oils in the Indian market.

Commenting on the newly launched engine oils, Mr. Shankha Banerjee, General Manager - Marketing, Castrol India, said the commercial vehicle segment in India has seen an upgradation in technology owing to the massive investment and improvement in road infrastructure and adoption of the Euro norms.
The tractor segment is also seeing increased non-farm usage. Both truck and tractor consumers have increasingly started demanding better performance and dependability from their vehicles which at the same time have to work under more and more stressful conditions and varying operating conditions. In such a situation, the engine oil has to provide peak performance, protecting the engine and ensuring superior performance over long periods of time.

Castrol CRB, he said, is one of the most trusted brands with a loyal consumer and customer base build over 75 years since its launch in India. It has provided the cutting edge and relevant technology, which has been consistently upgraded to meet the changing engine and environment conditions. In keeping with this tradition, Castrol is relaunching Castrol CRB Plus and Castrol CRB turbo, incorporating the synthetic technology which ensures greater engine protection and performance.

The synthetic technology helps deliver superior engine protection during start-up and high stress conditions, better engine protection even in extreme temperatures and against soot and related impurities, greater engine cleanliness and smoother running, enhanced fuel efficiency, lower oil consumption and longer drain intervals.
Castrol CRB has completed 75 years in India since its launch in 1932. Over the years, the brand has been constantly upgraded to keep pace with the changing engine technology and environmental conditions. With four sub-brands – CRB Plus, CRB Turbo, CRB Prima and CRB Prima Plus – Castrol CRB has consistently remained the brand of choice for trucks, tractors, buses and jeeps.

Castrol India, in which 70.92 per cent of the paid-up capital is held by Castrol Ltd. of the UK, has grown to become the market leader in the retail automotive lubricant segment. The company which has demonstrated its commitment to Indian consumers by offering world class products, backed by the highest level of customer service, is acknowledged as the technology leader in the Indian lubricants industry.

Maruti Swift DZire comes with exciting new features

Maruti Suzuki recently unveiled the much-awaited Swift DZire. Like the earlier company models, Swift and SX4, the DZire too is set to redefine the market and stir excitement in the entry-level sedan segment.

The DZire, which comes both in diesel and petrol engines, offers luxury features like integrated stereo, steering mounted audio controls, automatic climate control and power windows. Safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, collapsible steering column and an i-CATS anti-theft facility. Many of these features are being offered for the first time in this segment.

The Managing Director of Maruti Suzuki, Mr. S. Nakanishi said: “The DZire is the seventh model Maruti Suzuki has launched in the last three years. It has a special place in our product strategy. Millions of Indians own compact cars. With growing incomes and better lifestyle, many of them want to upgrade to a sedan. But today they are not able to find an entry level sedan that offers style, features and performance. The DZire offers all this, and at an attractive price.”

The DZire offers customers the prestige associated with a sedan, while retaining the famed performance of the Swift hatch back. The Swift had, from the start, been conceived as a car that would be offered both as a hatchback as well as a sedan.

For the 11 Maruti Suzuki engineers who worked on the design of the DZire, the challenge was to integrate the boot into the overall personality of the Swift, while imparting the elegance of a sedan. In providing a high style quotient, they have integrated the boot with just 30 km added to the car’s weight. The suspension and engine have been tuned for the sedan. As a result, the DZire has the highest power-to-weight ratio in its category. This ensures best performance and superior fuel efficiency.

The petrol version of the vehicle model comes with a 1.3 litre, 16 valve, ALTec 32 engine, with a maximum 87 bhp at 6000 rpm. The diesel version comes with the 1.3 litre DDiS engine, offering a torque of 190 Nm at 2000 rpm.

Commonising platforms is emerging as a global best practice. This enables manufacturers to minimise duplication and prevent wastage. They are able to offer more features and superior styling in car models, at an attractive price.

The DZire is the latest example. By commonising platforms, Maruti Suzuki is able to offer more features and superior styling, while keeping the price attractive. The company designers and engineers have worked to control the noise, vibration and harshness levels, thus ensuring the best in class driving pleasure and comfort.
The popularity of Maruti Suzuki cars in the A3 segment also suggests that it has successfully expanded its image from being the leader in small cars to a company offering the full range of cars. With the launch of the DZire in the A3 segment, the company is set to further widen choice for customers and increase its lead over the competitors.

Piaggio launches two new variants of apé 3-wheeler

Piaggio, the international pioneer in three-wheeler motor vehicles, has introduced in India two new variants of its apé model – the apé Xtra and the apé Xtra LD. These two are likely to set a whole new standard in three-wheeler performance, having been meticulously engineered to deliver higher outputs on all critical parameters.

The standard version of the apé Xtra has an extra-strong cold-rolled loading platform with additional reinforcement to enhance strength and give longer durability to the tray. A new gearbox will ensure extra performance and reliability. Likewise, the new clutch that withstands higher torque ensures extra clutch life and performance. The new apé Life engine oil that offers longer drain period of 10,000 km reduces periodical maintenance cost by 50 per cent.

The apé Xtra LD variant has all the above features plus an extra long deck that is increased to 1660 mm (180 mm longer), making it the longest load body vehicle in its category. The increase in loading area of 2.5 sq. ft. offers 12 per cent more loading area.

This means extra space, extra volume and, of course, extra earnings and profits per trip. To guarantee extra stability for the longer deck, the apé Xtra LD has the longest wheelbase in its category, measuring all of 2100 mm. And all this comes with an extended 20-month warranty that’s unique to Piaggio.

Mr. Ashutosh Khosla, Director - Sales & Marketing of Piaggio Vehicles, enthusiastically said: “Piaggio always believes in selling a business proposition and not a product. That means the focus is increasing the earning capacity of the customers. This is the age of competition. There is no room for complacency. The time is right for a pioneer brand like apé to make a positive difference. It’s time to do something Xtra for the customer.”

Mr. Khosla summed up the proposition of Xtra by saying that all the enhanced features are aimed at giving Xtra life, Xtra reliability, Xtra savings and hence Xtra profit to the customers.Commenting on the new range from Piaggio, Mr. Ravi Chopra, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio India, says: “We were the first to see the potential in the light transportation business way back in 1999. We were the first to set up a dedicated dealer network across the country with world class service standards. And we were the first to expand the boundaries of the market, driving our products into the rural heart of India to open up fresh sources of livelihood. Our strategy has also been to go where none have gone before, and empower our customers with value-for-money solutions that help them stay ahead in their endeavour.”

The apé Xtra and apé Xtra-LD are being rolled out all over India, providing customers a wider choice from the Piaggio stable, of course with the assured company customer care.

Tata Motors' Magic and Winger create new transport segments

Tata Motors has launched a new product range – the Magic and the Winger – in yet another major initiative to change the way people in India travel. The Magic, developed on the platform of the stupendously successful Ace, now brings to urban and rural areas a comfortable, safe four-wheeler public transportation mode. The Winger range, India’s only maxi-van, offers a perfect blend of the comfort of a car with the spaciousness of a bus for intra-city and long-distance transportation needs.

Both the Magic and the Winger will create new segments, and in a complementary manner help cover the entire spectrum of customer needs from basic mass transportation in rural interiors and cities as well as the top-end luxury mass transportation segment.

With an ergonomically designed all-steel cabin, the Magic has a flexible seating capacity of four-seven passengers, in pleasant and spacious interiors, including comfortable seats and ample legroom for an enjoyable ride for passengers. Powered by a 16 hp 700cc water-cooled diesel engine, it provides the vehicle owner with high fuel efficiency and very low maintenance. The 12" tyres provide higher ground clearance, and the rigid front axle can weather tough road conditions. The turning radius of 4.3 metres is agile enough to navigate narrow bylanes and dense traffic.

For the driver’s benefit, the Magic has a clearly visible instrument cluster, utility tray and a digital clock in the dashboard, as also a radio fitment provision.

The Magic also meets BS-III emission norms and has been developed for use in any market, be it urban, semi-urban or rural. It is backed by a 36,000 km/12-month warranty. The vehicle is priced at Rs. 2.68 lakhs (BS III version ex-showroom Delhi).

The Winger seats 9 to 13 passengers, with generous saloon space, spacious head and legroom and wide luggage space. Passenger comfort has been further enhanced with all front-facing seats, each with magazine pockets, bottle holders, spot lamps and grabs handles, besides a music system. The fully enclosed body, uniquely placed fuel tank, seat belt for every seat, child lock, fog lamps and a demister (compartment ventilation fan) provide complete safety.

The robust and rugged suspension ensures both ride comfort and load carrying capacity, while the monocoque design minimises NVH. The Winger is powered by a 2-litre turbo-charged diesel engine.
The vehicle’s versatility allows it to be deployed for both long-distance transportation across different terrains in all weathers and also intra-city needs and adaptation for staff vehicles, hotel and airport transfers, tourist usage, ambulance, and school van, among others.

The Winger has 11 variants, at three levels of comfort – standard, deluxe and luxury – meeting BS-III emission norms and backed with a 1.5 lakh km/18-month warranty. The Winger range starts at Rs. 5.91 lakhs (BS III version ex-showroom Delhi).

Tata Motors is India’s largest automobile company, with revenues of $7.2 billion in 2006-07. With over four million Tata vehicles plying in India, it is the leader in commercial vehicles and the second largest in passenger vehicles. It is also the world’s fifth largest medium and heavy truck manufacturer and the second largest heavy bus manufacturer.

Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and in Australia. Tata Motors and Fiat Auto have formed an industrial joint venture in India to manufacture passenger cars, engines and transmissions for the Indian and overseas markets. The company also has an agreement with Fiat Auto to build a pick-up vehicle at Córdoba, Argentina. The company already distributes Fiat-branded cars in India.

Tata Motors’ international footprint includes Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Co. Ltd. in South Korea; Hispano Carrocera, a bus and coach manufacturer of Spain in which the company has a 21 per cent stake; a joint venture with Marcopolo, the Brazil-based body-builder of buses and coaches; and a joint venture with Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Company of Thailand to manufacture and market pick-up vehicles in Thailand.

Tata Motors has research centres in India and the UK, and in its subsidiary and associate companies in South Korea and Spain.

TVS Motor's majestic entry into 3-wheeler segment

KING launched in Chennai
TVS Motor Company Ltd. made a formal entry into the three-wheeler market in India with the launch of the TVS King, India’s first 200cc two-stroke autorickshaw, by Mr. M.K. Stalin, Tamil Nadu Minister for Rural Development and Local Administration, and Mr. K.N. Nehru, State Minister for Transport, at a colourful function held in Chennai on March 9.

Coming in both LPG and petrol versions, the TVS King is provided with electric start and loaded with superior features. The vehicle, fitted with a higher capacity engine with the peak torque at lower rpm to take care of gradability without frequent gearshifts, promises good mileage.

A modern low friction 7-port engine that is high in fuel efficiency drives the TVS King. The engine operates at lower revolutions for a given road speed, thereby improving the reliability of the engine. Refined quality and engineering skills ensure that the TVS King will deliver high value to its customers, both in terms of styling and efficiency.

The vehicle comes with powerful twin 35 watt headlamps with bigger and brighter rear tail lamps. It has a single larger area windshield with laminated glass. Its interior is really attractive, with a well-designed dashboard, duel tone high quality seats and an integrated bumper. The electric start option reduces the driver’s fatigue. The vehicle has better head and legroom in the passenger compartment, while the suspension and the seat are so positioned as to optimize superior ride quality for longer duration.

Styled on the lines of a car, the TVS King redefines all performance characteristics like initial pick-up and power, comfort, convenience, fuel efficiency, reliability and safety to give pride of ownership to the driver. Optional accessories include stylish wheel covers, FM radio, a digital clock, an idol stand, floor mats and an additional rear bumper.

In his brief address at the vehicle launch function, Mr. Stalin appreciated the superior features of TVS King such as comfortable seating, electric start facility, maintenance-free battery, etc., and expressed the view that there would be a growing desire among car users to switch over to such a vehicle. Marketing of such products would be much easier too.

Referring to the origin and growth of the TVS Group and its contribution to Tamil Nadu’s industrial development, he said TVS Motor Company has been recording remarkable growth year after year. The company’s turnover grew from Rs. 100 crores in 1990-91 to Rs. 4,000 crores. It has also established a manufacturing plant in Indonesia, in addition to the existing plants in Hosur and Mysore.

Mr. Stalin had a word of praise for Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Chairman & Managing Director of TVS Motor Company, for his keen desire to transform Tamil Nadu as No.1 among States. The company has all along been striving to give a big boost to industrialisation by seizing every opportunity available. This is well reflected in its astounding growth since inception.

On the special occasion, TVS Motor also announced several family welfare schemes for autodrivers and their families. All TVS King owners would be offered a one-year free accident and healthcare policy. The company has tied up with reputed insurance companies for the purpose. This policy covers the owner and his family, i.e., wife and children, against medical care upto Rs. 30,000 per annum on a floater basis. The owner will additionally be covered by a personal accident policy for Rs. 1 lakh.
TVS King drivers would be provided with training in courtesy and friendliness and also training in safety and preventive maintenance.

The company would be leveraging its existing distribution and service network in India and more than 50 countries abroad to market and provide superior customer experience in sales and service.