Tata will launch in the UK in the second half of this year with four models, the company confirmed at the Geneva motor show.
The Indian firm’s head of engineering Clive Hickman told Autocar that Tata would launch its Vista hatchback, Vista EV, Safari off-roader and Xenon pick-up. The Aria crossover and Nano Europa will follow in 2011 and 2012 respectively. The firm is currently in talks with two potential distributors and would be revealing its UK plans within the next fortnight.
See the Geneva show pics of Tata models
Hickman revealed that production of the Vista EV would start in Coventry later this year and the firm was hoping to build 1500 units in 2010. The firm could then switch Vista EV production to a new facility on the site of Jaguar’s Browns Lane plant and build 5000 Vista EVs per year.
Tata is aiming for Vista EV ownership to be comparable over three years to that of a petrol or diesel-powered car. This would be achieved by offering the car for sale and then leasing the batteries.
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Re: Tata reveals UK plans
I think these designs look pretty sharp myself.
Not sure how they will drive but I bet a JLR engineer or two has cast an eye over the spec even if they don`t advertise as such.
If they are priced sharply I can see these cars eating into the Koreans business.
I look forward to trying one.
Re: Tata reveals UK plans
I hear the bolstering for the seats is made from old teabags.
Re: Tata reveals UK plans
"Tata is aiming for Vista EV ownership to be comparable over three years to that of a petrol- or diesel-powered car. "
That's not a particularly enticing offer, given that the Govt will be subsidising the deal by five grand. Good news for Browns Lane though.