As part of its strategy to further strengthen its position as a pioneer and leader in the small commercial vehicles (SCV) segment, Tata Motors has launched its promising new ‘compact truck’ – Tata INTRA in the market. First showcased to the public at Auto Expo 2018 and more recently offered to the media for testing this May, the INTRA has been conceptualised post extensive market research and customer feedback to meet the demanding and ever-evolving requirements of the SCV industry. The truck promises to deliver superior performance, increased pay-load capacity, high fuel efficiency and durability, all leading to significant increase in revenues and the lowest cost of operation to the discerning owners.
With a best in class, 2512 mm x 1602 mm load body length, the Tata INTRA comes in two variants – V10 and V20. The INTRA range starts from Rs. 5,35,000 onwards depending on the variant, thereby offering a superior value proposition to the discerning customers.
The Tata INTRA is powered by future-ready engines, which are scalable to the BS-VI norms. The INTRA V20 comes with 1400cc DI engine with 52KW (70 hp) and the INTRA V10 is powered with 800cc DI engine delivering 30KW (40 hp), offering quick acceleration, faster trips and low turnaround time. The vehicle has a standard power steering fitment, and with a low turning circle radius of 4.75m, it ensures easy manoeuvrability even on narrow and congested roads. The power train is tuned to suit various duty cycles using the Gear Shift Advisor or economy switch, leading to enhanced fuel efficiency. The INTRA also has a 5-speed gearbox with cable shift mechanism offering a pleasurable driving experience.
Speaking at the national launch in Chennai, Mr. Guenter Butschek, CEO and MD, Tata Motors, said: “As the leader in the commercial vehicle industry we are playing a key role in shaping the CV market by introducing global products based on deep customer insights. We have strengthened our actions under the ongoing turnaround. With intense sales activation, new product launches and continued thrust on cost reduction, we have been able to improve our CV business performance. We want to strengthen our leadership position across all segments we operate in. The Tata INTRA is a testament of our unrelenting commitment to introduction of products that embody engineering passion and bolster customer value proposition, and it will be a game-changer for us in the SCV segment as it offers several industry-first features, setting high standards in the market.”
Sharing his views during the launch, Mr. Girish Wagh, President – Commercial Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said: “The customer preferences are shifting everyday towards better performance, advanced features and higher returns. After a thorough research, we learnt about the growing aspirations of the new age customers. These insights have helped us conceptualize and develop the Tata INTRA. It is ideal for customers who want to upgrade their commercial vehicles for higher business returns and lower total cost of ownership (TCO), enabled by proven and reliable aggregates and driving comfort leading to longer, fatigue-free drives. We have always led the industry and created new sub-segments to create demand. The launch of India’s first compact truck fills an important gap in the Indian SCV market, and we are bringing yet another game-changing product after our much successful product Tata ACE.”
Feature-filled
The Tata INTRA has a boltable full forward robust body shell cabin and has been intelligently designed with a smart nose along with seatbelts with the emergency locking retractor (ELR). Built on a hydroformed frame, the INTRA is comparatively lighter. The smartly engineered cabin space, improved ergonomics and low NVH levels boast of stylish car-like interiors with sufficient storage capacity and comfortable seating, enabling drivers to operate fatigue free over long hauls, which in turn offers significant improvement in productivity. The modern features include the mobile charging point, electronic instrument cluster, big headlamps, large windscreen, lockable glove box, storage on dashboard & door trims, headrest for comfort while driving, pre-fitted music system and AC in the premium version to enhance the fatigue-free driving experience. The gear lever is mounted on the dashboard making longer drives comfortable and tireless for the driver. The front and rear rigid axles and leaf springs ensure superior load carrying capability and low cost of maintenance.
Solid aftersales support
Tata Motors has the most extensive network and the extended arm salesman in the form of Tata Gram Mitra, which will be leveraged to penetrate even into small towns. The vehicle comes with an industry best warranty of 2 years or 72,000 km, supported by an extensive countrywide network for sales, service and spareparts. The reliable and durable aggregates of the TATA Intra, combined with its best-in-class sparepart prices, ensure low cost of maintenance. Customers will benefit from a host of excellent aftermarket support through value-added services under the umbrella of ‘Sampoorna Seva’, including a 24X7 workshop, mobile workshops, AMC packages, breakdown assistance and accidental insurance for drivers.
Customers will also be offered exclusive privileges under the “Samarth program” for driver wellness, which covers areas like accidental insurance, hospitalization cover, financial counselling and educational assistance packages for their children.