Tata Motors, the renowned automobile manufacturer has introduced the Tata Megapixel at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show. The concept of Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) has been displayed for environment-conscious customers across the globe.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Prakash M. Telang, Managing Director - India Operations, Tata Motors, said, “The Tata Megapixel, developed by our design centres in India, the UK and Italy, is our idea of a city car for discerning motorists in any megacity of the world. It is a result of the progress we have made on the Tata Pixel, displayed last year, and also denotes the company’s future design direction.”
Tata Megapixel is equipped with an on-board petrol engine and a lithium-ion phosphate battery. With a tank full of fuel, the car can deliver mileage of up to 900 km. Running on Lithium-ion Phosphate 13 KwH battery, the Megapixel offers fuel economy of 100 kmpl. Further, the CO2 emission of the car is 22 gm/km.
The company has provided 325 cc petrol engine in the auxiliary power unit of this four seater car. Four independent electric motors of the electric drive of the car are present at each wheel. 13.5 kW power is provided to each wheel by the four wheel motors for electric drive.
Tata Pixel’s ‘Zero Turn’ drive system, which was shown at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, has been made more advanced by the company. The wheels are driven anti-clock wise by the electric hub motors, while parking. At an acute angle, the front wheels are turned, which helps in attaining 2.8 metre turning radius.
Due to the inductive charge system, the car can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes. The small car can attain top speed of 110 kmph, which is quite impressive. The innovative induction at-home charging system is convenient to use. For charging purpose, the car has to be parked over the induction pad. This vehicle is a perfect blend of global styling and Indian uniqueness, which reflects in its themes, colours, materials, and graphics.
Over the front wheel arches of this vehicle, graphics of the grille and integrated lamp maintain a fine curve to make the front section look appealing. Panoramic sun roof not only adds style but also allows the sunlight to enter the cabin, maintaining a balance between sun and shade.
Belt line finisher and floating C-pillar blends with the body surface of the small car. The 5-spoke wheel design matches with the exterior of the vehicle. Tyre size of this small car is 215/45 R16. Entry and exit will become convenient due to the B-pillar less design and double-sliding door system. Length, width, and height of this vehicle are 3504 mm, 1673 mm and 1405mm respectively.
Customers will get more interior space due to the hub motors and battery layout. Front seats of the car are fixed on either side of a central tunnel creating maximum floor space. Rose metal works and light leather trims highlights the innovative work of the car maker.
At the centre of the instrument panel, advanced human machine interface (HMI) is also provided, which has touchscreen. Driving modes, temperature, ventilation, and performance of the car can be controlled with the help of the HMI. The car maker has provided a console docking point in the vehicle, so that a smart phone can be connected.
Other vehicles displayed by Tata Motors in 82nd Geneva Motor Show include the Tata Indica Vista hatchback, new generation Tata Safari Storme SUV, the Tata Aria crossover, and the Tata Indigo Manza sedan.
With consolidated revenues of Rs. 1, 23,133 crores ($ 27 billion) in 2010-11, Tata Motors emerges as one of the largest automotive group. The company executes its operation in South Africa, South Korea, UK, Spain, and Thailand through its associated companies and subsidiaries. The combination of two iconic British brands Jaguar Land Rover is an important subsidiary of Tata Motors. The company has signed an industrial joint venture with Fiat under which it distributes Fiat cars in India. Tata motors also hold pride of being the leader in the commercial vehicles segment of India. It is also ranked among the top three passenger vehicles manufacturers of the country.
Globally Tata Motors is reckoned as the third largest bus manufacturer and fourth largest truck manufacturer. Buses cars and trucks of the Tata are marketed in countries in South Asia, South East Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and South America.
