Tata Motors introduces sports utility truck
The Free Press Journal — December 9, 2005

Tata Motors has announced the launch of India's first Sports Utility Truck (SUT) — a new range of Tata TL 4x4 - that doubles as a pick-up as well as a sports utility vehicle at a price range between Rs 5.80 lakh to Rs 7.90 lakh. Combining the raw power with sheer elegance, Tata TL 4x4 claims to be the first of its kind offering by any Indian automobile company, reports UNI. It is a sturdy 1.2 tonne warhorse with sporty and contemporary-features of a passenger car. It offers three derivatives consisting of a 4x2 double cab, 4x4 single cab and a 4x4 double cab in colours of quartz black and artic silver.

Announcing the launch here. Tata Motors President (Light and Small Commercial Vehicles) P M Telang said. "Tata TL 4x4 carries heavy loads while negotiating the toughest of terrains and at the same time, is an ideal vehicle for customers with a penchant for adventure and outdoors. It provides a pick-up that keeps one way ahead of the rest." Stating it has many firsts to its name. Telang said a gradability of 72 per cent, for the first time in India makes it adaptable for steep inclines.

He said for the first time in India, for light truck applications, the Tata'TL 4x4 runs on tubeless tyres, thus ensuring that there is no fear of tyre bursting at high speeds. Additionally, to ensure luxury and comfort, air-conditioning is a standard fitment, Mr Telang said the TL 4x4 had proven its mettle in countries like South Africa. Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the Middle East through extreme climes and arduous terrain. Shyam Mani, Vice President (Sales & Marketing), Commercial Vehicles Business Unit.

Tata Motors said, "Tata TL 4x4 is equipped with a 1.948 cc indirect injection turbo-charged intercooled diesel engine, generating a power output of 92 PS at 4300rpm and a torque of 190 Nm at 2000-3000rpm. With a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 2.78 tons and a power/weight ratio of 33 (highest in the light truck category) the vehicle has a rugged beamy built to handle the toughest conditions, he said. Tata Motors hikes M&HCV prices Meanwhile. Tata Motors has raised the prices of its medium and heavy vehicles by 2-2.5 per cent on account of increase in input costs.

"The prices have been raised with effect from December 1. 2005" a company spokesperson said. He said the hike would be on medium and heavy commercial vehicles. "It has been done to offset cost increases over the year," he said. Last month, company's rival Ashok Leyland had also decided to raise prices by 2.5 per cent.