Tata Motors to power Ace Zip with new features

Tata Motors is planning to launch new variants of its small commercial vehicle (SCV) Ace Zip incorporating more features aimed at providing additional power and load as also covering new application areas.

The company is undertaking some technological upgrades such as hub reduction, higher ground clearance as also new fuel options like CNG. It is also planning an electric version of its micro truck Tata Ace Zip, launched in May 2011. The company celebrated 100,000th roll-out of the small truck last week at its Dharwad plant.

“We offered highest power and torque in our SCV that this segment of customers had never seen in the past. Through the proposed hub reduction plan, we want to improve the torque at the wheel without changing any other aggregate.

“It is a technology which will be unique and tried for the first time on a SCV in the world. Hub reduction in big trucks is a common concept. In SCV, however, it is something new, and it will be done first time by us,” Sandeep Kumar, Head – Sales & Marketing (SCVs), Tata Motors, told The Hindu.

It is also planning to offer longer body in the new variant to carry higher load. The new variants of Ace Zip are expected to be launched during the second-half of this year.

“Priced about Rs. 1.5 lakh higher than three-wheeled goods vehicle, Ace Zip offers far superior performance, and is an employment-generating vehicle in rural areas,” said Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director – Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors.

Ace zip, which offers a payload capacity of 600 kg, is the second largest selling model in Ace family in Tata’s portfolio with an average monthly volume of about 2,500 units. It accounts for a third of 3- and 4-wheeler volumes up to Zip type of vehicles.

Also, Zip has higher rural penetration than its siblings. About 35 per cent of its customers live and operate in rural India.

With the proposed new variants, the company seeks to retain its leadership position in the SCV segment, and sustain robust growth in sales in the future.

Tata Motors