Announcing the launch of six new variants across the HCV, MCV and LCV product segments on the eve of Auto Expo 2002, Mr Ravi Kant, executive director, commercial vehicles business unit, Tata Engineering, said: "These new products demonstrate the company’s inherent strengths to leverage indigenous technology and processes and rapidly respond to changing market demands."

Coming on the back of a sustained growth in its market share in commercial vehicles, Tata Engineering’s new initiative further enhances its time-tested product values of reliability and productivity.

The company has successfully upgraded its products by bolstering key components such as axle and gearbox, and enhancing fuel efficiency, using in-house expertise and skills.

Mr Ravi Kant added: "Operating in a constantly changing market scenario, which demands products tuned to deliver higher productivity and savings to the customer, Tata Engineering has been focusing sharply on its product portfolio with the aim of adding value to its offerings. We have the distinct advantage of an extremely competent in-house engineering research capability which has responded to the demands by delivering products that can not only meet, but surpass customer expectations."

The new products being introduced by Tata Engineering are:

Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs)
LPK 2516 6x4 tipper: The Tata LPK 2516 6x4 fully-built, multi-axle tipper is an ideal combination of high productivity and economy. It is powered by a 160-hp, high-torque Cummins engine that helps it negotiate rough terrain. The front-end single cylinder configuration is from the world-famous HYVA — a reputed name in hydraulics. Available in two sizes, 12 and 14 cubic metres, and with a sandwich floor option, these bodies can meet the varied needs of road building and construction. The LPK 2516 consumes less diesel than any other tipper in its class. The vehicle is supplied as a fully-built unit, designed and manufactured to meet the highest engineering and safety standards.

Medium Commercial Vehicles (MCVs)
LPT 1516 4x4: This is a four-wheel drive vehicle specifically designed for defence applications, fire tenders, and for a 7.5 tonne light recovery vehicle. The powerful 160 hp Cummins engine enables the vehicle to cover difficult terrain with ease. It is equipped with the new G-600 six-speed synchromesh gearbox, which has been developed in-house by Tata Engineering. It has a six-tonne, live front axle that helps the vehicle navigate both slush and slopes.

Another in-house development is the heavy-duty, rear-axle RA 109 RR, with a differential lock that ensures that the vehicle does not get stuck anywhere.

LPT 1613 TC with new tilt cabin and loadbody: The new tilt cabin and loadbody is Tata Engineering’s response to address the prevailing anomalies wherein the truck bodies do not conform to any engineering or safety standards, making them potentially unsafe and less economical.

The cabin in the LPT1613 TC is an all-steel construction manufactured to global engineering and safety standards. The loadbody design ensures that the unladen weight of the vehicle is nearly one tonne lower than that of existing vehicles, thus enhancing the transporter's profitability.

Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs)
SFC 909 Turbo High Deck – Bharat Stage II Compliant: This new six-tonne payload truck is designed for multipurpose applications. At the heart of the new SFC 909 is the 497 Turbo engine, which provides superior pickup and fuel efficiency. SFC construction and scam air brakes ensure driver safety in both highway and off-highway applications.

A factory-fitted, runner-mounted, high-deck loadbody provides a ready-to-use truck that can be put to use from the first day. Bigger 8.25x16 – 16 PR tyres, along with a reinforced chassis and suspension, ensure that the SFC 909 can take on any road- and load-abuse. The 160-litre fuel tank provides added convenience to our customers.

The new TATA 207DI Single Cab Pick Up: The nascent pick-up segment gets a vehicle it deserves in the form of the 207DI. The legendary 407 engine, or the TATA 497SP27 high-torque engine, used here delivers a huge 18.0 mkg of torque at 1500-2000 rpm, with a maximum engine output of 60hp at 2800 rpm. The 3-litre, or 2956 cc, engine ensures fantastic pulling power on a gradient and an excellent pickup at rated payload. The rugged, macho looks of the vehicle are combined with power steering that makes driving effortless. With a loading area of 7.9ft x 5.4ft, it offers the largest loading area in the pickup segment, thus ensuring multiple applicability and less number of trips for the user.

The new Tata 207DI Crew Cab Pick Up: Like its single-cab variant, the 207DI Crew Cab comes with the legendary 407 engine. With two bucket seats in the front and a seating capacity of three behind, driving this machine, with its power steering, steering tilt mechanism, huge 18.0 mkg of torque and a power of 60 hp at rated pay load, is an effortless yet exhilarating experience.

Buses
The Low Floor integral rear engine coach: This bus combines the flexibility of a modular design with the safety provided by a welded, tubular-type shell construction. The 160 hp Euro II Cummins engine with automatic transmission and pneumatic suspension (both at front and rear) provide for excellent passenger comfort and reduced driver fatigue. An automatic ticketing machine makes it ideal for urban transportation, eliminating the need for a conductor. The internationally-acclaimed Global Positioning System (GPS) enables transport managers to monitor, analyse and optimise operation of their fleet. Attachments to the GPS provide operators with service and maintenance schedules, enabling a high degree of uptime and maximization of passenger facilities.