The home grown legendary car maker Tata Motors camp was gripped by nostalgia as it celebrated the entry of its market-leading light commercial vehicle, the Tata 407 into its 25th year, serving the basic Indian needs. Since its launch in 1986, the Tata 407 has never look back, and at present the ace vehicle's family accounts for 7 out of every 10 vehicles sold in the light commercial vehicle category. Moreover, it subjugates over 75% of the light commercial vehicle market in India. An encouraging fact about Tata 407 is that 55% of its owners are first-time users, which confirms the large-scale self-employment it generates. By enlarging the scope of employment, Tata Group and Tata Motors consistently move towards achieving its set goals.
Recollecting the moments of the launch and the unprecedented journey of the Tata 407, P. M. Telang, Tata Motors' Managing Director, India Operations said, "The Tata 407 was among the first, cutting across industries, to have demonstrated the supremacy of indigenously developed products in the face of international competition. We are grateful to our customers who have acknowledged our understanding of their needs and our engineering capabilities. We will continue to add new features to the range matching customer requirements."
Being offered in both diesel and CNG versions and a tonnage ranging from 2.2 tonnes to 4.2 tonnes payload, the Tata 407 has given its name to ample of vehicle segments such as trucks, tippers, pick-ups and vehicles for agri/food products, construction, light mining and et al. As a result, The goods transportation portfolio has been frequently expanded and upgraded. The company's personal research and development and customer response on operating economy, cabin convenience and safety are taken into being, for further developments.
The Tata 407 is also responsible to produce the company's fully fledged buses called CityRide, available in 12 to 24 seat variants, which are used primarily as school buses, staff transportation and feeder bus service. The company also entered into a joint venture with Marcopolo of Brazil in 2006, wherein the platform was included in the Starbus range as a 24-seat variant and 12 to 18 seat luxury variants. Even the Starbus is available in both diesel and CNG options.
Ravi Pisharody, President, Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, said, "The Tata 407 is exemplary in how a platform can be deployed to meet diverse needs. It today addresses a wide range of goods transportation and people movement solutions, industrial and defence applications in India and about 15 other countries in South Asia and Africa."
SFC 407EX TURBO, the light commercial vehicle can undoubtedly be considered as one of the major variants in goods transportation. The popular LCV offers a number of applications for industrial use, agricultural produce, dairy products, courier and parcel services, with high fuel efficiency and adequate payload capacity.
Among the majorly used tipper variants, the LPK 407 is a celebrated name that provides applications in construction and light mining industries. Another ace vehicle, the SK 407 is used for sand movement, quarry application, laterite-stone transportation and construction material freight.
The EX-2 Refresh Series provided an-all new definition to the operating economy, raising its bar with long duration of service interval and heavy-duty load body. Moreover, the safety and comfort quotient was dealt with quite sincerely as power steering with upgraded cabin features were a part of it.
In the latest development, the 407 Pick-up was brought in the market in 2009, having the shortest overall length, smallest turning circle, but surprisingly the largest loading area and highest payload in the category. The vehicle is apt for applications in rural and urban areas.
The CNG fuel option became a part of the 407 Pick-up in later months of 2009 to offer its customers with sheer benefits of CNG, by expanding its distribution network in the country. The Common Rail BS 4 compliant diesel engine was introduced last year along with extra refinements in the drive train .
Till date, the Tata 407 has sold-off more than 5,00,000 units, and Tata Motors is expected to introduce new features in the engine, exteriors and interiors in the coming time. Such new moves would enable the company to keep abreast of emerging needs and hence firming the Tata 407's image among customers.
Tata Motors one of India's largest automobile companies, with cumulative revenues of Rs. 1,23,133 crores in 2010-11. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain. As a matter of fact, Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America.
