Tata Motors Ltd plans to participate in a bid by the South African government to replace over 1.5 lakh taxis (mini buses) plying in the country in the next few years. 

Speaking at the sidelines of a press conference, a Tata Motors official said: “South Africa has invited bids from commercial vehicle companies across the globe to replace the mini buses (called taxis) operating in the country.” 

He further added that Tata Motors is open to a joint venture option for this initiative. The company is expecting to get a good order from the South African government, however, the formalities are yet to be worked out, he said. 

Meanwhile, Tata Motors has announced the launch of its SFC 407EX Turbo light commercial vehicle (LCV). This upgrade version of the popular model 407 comes with the EX features introduced by the company in 2002 in the heavy truck segment. 

According to Tata Motors' VP sales and marketing Mr Shyam Mani, the EX series comes with enhanced fuel efficiency, which is 12 per cent higher as compared to the older models, better pay load capacity of 3.4 tonnes, improved body and better driver comfort. 

Tata 407 enjoys a market share of over 75 per cent in the segment and the company expects to sustain and improve it with the new model, Mr Mani said. The company grew by 44 per cent last year over the industry growth of 36 per cent and is expected to beat the industry growth of 10 per cent to 12 per cent during 2004-05.