Tata launches Xenon pickup
Bangkok, March 27, 2008

The latest 2.2 -litre common-rail engine will offer excellent power and fuel economy

Tata Motors (Thailand) pulled the wraps off the Xenon 1-ton pickup truck at the annual Bangkok International Motor Show. The Xenon will be sold from today across Thailand through Tata’s own dealer network. Over 20 dealers have already been appointed and the network is being progressively extended.

Commenting on this maiden initiative of the company in Thailand, Ratan N Tata, Chairman of Tata Motors, stated: “I am pleased that Tata Motors (Thailand) is launching the Xenon pickup in Thailand. The Xenon pickup has been developed and built in Thailand, specifically keeping the Thai customers in mind. We are hopeful that Thailand and ASEAN region will become key markets for Tata Motors in the near future.”

The Xenon is styled in England, and features engine technology from Germany, which is the latest in the automotive world.

The Xenon features a 2.2-litre direct injection common rail (DICOR) engine with variable turbine technology (VTT) and intercooler promising high durability, ease of maintenance and low spare part prices. The 2.2-l VTT DICOR common-rail diesel technology offers excellent power delivery and low fuel consumption. The Xenon has been designed with high suspension from origin.

The Xenon’s body boasts of 0.8-1.5-mm thick steel sheets, thicker than other pickups in the market, for better durability and safety.

Tata carried out extensive research in the ASEAN region and finally decided to invest Bt1.3 billion in Thailand to produce the Xenon pickup truck. Thailand is reputed as a 1-tonne pickup manufacturing destination with a strong supplier base which uses modern technology to produce high-quality products. Initially the Xenon intends to have 50 per cent local content, so that customers can be sure that inexpensive spare parts would be readily available.

The Tata Xenon is assembled at the Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant. Thonburi’s long experience and excellent reputation in quality and craftsmanship will ensure the product meets customer preference.

The Xenon is being launched in two body styles:

X-tend Cab — Prices starting at Bt539,000
Double Cab (4-door) — Prices starting at Bt629,000

There will be a special introductory price which will be valid till 30 April 08

X-tend Cab — Prices starting at Bt519,000
Double Cab (4-door) — Prices starting at Bt599,000

All models come with the 2.2-litre DICOR common-rail engine with VTT and intercooler, as well as 32-bit ECU to produce 140 horsepower and 320nm of torque from 1,700-2,700rpm, as well as excellent fuel economy.

Modern technology has enabled Tata to keep the size of the DICOR engine compact while maintaining high output, excellent fuel economy and high durability in order to provide customers an efficient income-generating vehicle. Tata is confident that customers will clearly notice the difference in the quality of this pickup.