Tata Motors collaborates with Indian Oil Corporation for its bio-diesel programme
March 29, 2005

Tata Motors, India’s largest integrated automobile manufacturer, announced a pilot programme for use of Bio-diesel for its fleet of buses – a project jointly undertaken with Indian Oil Corporation. In the presence of dignitaries from Tata Motors and Indian Oil Corporation, a petrol pump, exclusively dedicated for bio-diesel was unveiled and a fleet of 43 buses was flagged off from the Tata Motors facilities at Pimpri, Pune.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sumantran, executive director- PCBU and ERC, Tata Motors said, “Tata Motors has in recent years undertaken a number of R&D projects towards adoption of environmentally friendly technology. In addition to fuel conservation and exploration of hydrogen-based fuels, the company has also stepped up its efforts to utilise renewable bio-fuels. In this initial phase, 43 of the company’s fleet of buses plying in and around Pune will run on bio-diesel blend. This symbolises the next step in expanding use of bio-diesel.”

Tata Motors has been working on a Bio-diesel program in collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation. The introduction of the fleet of buses is a clearly a milestone for the company’s bio-diesel program allowing Tata Motors to take lead in the private sector to operate a fleet of buses on Bio-diesel blend. It sets the trend for the Indian auto industry.

Bio-diesel, as a fuel source has met with significant success in the United States of America and Europe. The benefits of adopting bio-diesel include significant reduction in pollution levels — emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. In addition, reducing dependence on oil import will result in strategic benefits for the country. From a long-term perspective adopting bio-diesel will enhance agricultural produce and create new jobs in the field of cultivating crops used in the manufacturing and processing of bio-diesel.

Tata Motors, with revenues of over US$ 3.5 billion (FY 2003-04), is a flagship company of the Tata Group. It is the world’s fifth largest medium and heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer and produces more than 150 commercial vehicle models with a range of light, medium to heavy-duty trucks, buses and tractor-trailers. Tata Motors is the second largest player in the domestic passenger car market in India. Two of its five passenger vehicle brands are among the top ten selling models in India.