Tata motors is looking at expanding its model range with the launch of a new hatchback (codenamed Falcon 4) and a new compact sedan (codenamed Falcon 5) in the later part of 2014. The two new cars that will be showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo are based on the X1 platform that underpins the Vista hatchback and Manza sedan, but are said to be more modern iterations designed for exports markets as well. The new cars have been created to cater to current customer demands as well as demands in the near future in terms of design, drive dynamics and features.
Tata will also give the cars a new 1.2 liter turbocharged petrol engine that has been developed in partnership with firms abroad, although it is not known at this moment whether these engines will feature direct or indirect injection. The diesel models will continue to be powered by Fiat’s 1.3 liter Multijet oil burner that does duty in diesel Tata cars.
Ranjit Yadav, President (passenger vehicle business unit), Tata Motors, said, “ These are high-performance vehicles, with a differentiated feature and new driving dynamics.” Yadav also stated that the company is not looking to phase out any of its existing models in the same segment as the new cars because there are separate opportunities for both the new and old models.
This is true, as the new Falcon 4 hatch will be slotted above the Vista as a more premium offering to take on premium hatchbacks in the country while the new Falcon 5 compact sedan will be slotted above the Indigo eCS and will take on the likes of the Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire and Chevrolet Sail.
Tata Motors’ sales fell by 34.84 per cent in the April to October period in 2014, as the company sold 1,28,263 units compared to 1,96,852 units during the same period in 2013. The company is looking at introducing new models every year till 2020 as well as have offerings in the petrol car market that accounts for 40-50 per cent of the overall passenger vehicle market, with the overall goal of being one of the top players in the Indian passenger car market.
