“This is a widespace that needs to be addressed,” said Carl Peter Forster at the launch of the company’s first cross-over vehicle, Aria.
With the launch of this small car, Tata Motors will take on the Maruti-Suzuki Alto, currently the largest selling hatchback in the Indian market.
It is expected to be launched by early 2012 and powered by an 800cc engine, said people familiar with the development.
“It will be a completely indigenised product made by Tata Motors and work on the car is currently underway. Vendors have been approached for specific components for the new car,” said this person.
For Tata Motors this is a logical move, as the auto major is looking to have products at every price point. Currently the Tata Motors car portfolio includes the Nano, Indica, Indigo, Manza, Sumo, Safari and the Aria.
The Aria is Tata Motors’ most ambitious launch in the premium segment. Priced at Rs 1.3 million - Rs 1.6 million (ex-showroom Mumbai), it will take on Toyota Innova and the Mahindra Xylo in the crossover space.
