Tata Motors announces the launch of its passenger vehicles in Turkey
February 26, 2005

Tata Motors, India’s largest automotive manufacturer, today announced the launch of its successful, modern hatchback — the Tata Indica in Turkey. Dr V Sumantran, executive director — passenger car business unit, Tata Motors and Hakan Isot, CEO, Mesin Group, Tata distributor in Turkey unveiled the car at an event organised in the city.

Tata Motors is introducing three models of the Indica in diesel version in Turkey in the initial phase. Recognising the needs of discerning customers in Turkey, every model will offer power steering, driver airbag, heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), central locking while the fully loaded version at the top end will be available with additional features like passenger airbag, power windows, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and richly textured seat upholstery. While the base model of the Indica will be available with 1.4 litre 49 HP diesel engine, the mid-end and the top-end models will be available with 1.4 litre, 70 HP diesel engine.

With close to half a million vehicles sold and consistently being among the best sellers in the competitive Indian market, the Indica and Indigo — the latter being the company’s roomy sedan offering, both have seen successful entries into several overseas markets, including Europe. Announcing the launch, Dr Sumantran stated, “We are confident that the Indica will be seen to offer superior value to our customers in Turkey. Over the coming years, we are hopeful that our company will grow in Turkey and will have an opportunity to introduce additional models and participate in more product segments.” At the launch event for the Tata Indica today, the company also showcased its other car offerings — the Tata Indigo and the station wagon variant of the Tata Indigo; Tata Indigo Marina.

The distribution and marketing of the Tata passenger cars in Turkey will be handled by Mesin Group. A network of 16 dealers will be employed in the first phase for marketing these cars.

16 service points and a round the clock emergency towing service has been set up for servicing customers. The Mesin Group has been marketing Tata Pickups in Turkey since 1999.

Tata Motors, the world’s fifth largest medium and heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer, produces more than 150 commercial vehicle models with a range of light, medium to heavy-duty trucks, buses and tractor-trailers. Tata Motors, with revenues of over US$ 3.5 billion (FY 2003-04), is a leading flagship of Tata Group.

The Tata Group has a leadership position in engineering, materials, energy, consumer products, services and communication, hotels and information systems. Over 3 million Tata vehicles ply on Indian roads, making Tata a dominant force in the Indian automobile industry.