Introduction

The company that cares about the future, Tata Motors is a multinational corporation that considered Mumbai, India as their home. Formerly known as TELCO (TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company), this company is a part of Tata Group that is committed to their social responsibility. Part of the United Nations Global Compact, the company is taking responsibility for its community and its social initiatives on labor and environment standards. This is in compliance of the Global Compact as it plays a major role in community development as well as serving the rural communities and its manufacturing locations.

Technology that can be used by present generation as well as the future is what Tata Motors aims to do and each product stand as testimony of this. The company has set up two in-house Engineering Research Centers, the only facility in India that has a certified crash test facility. The conscious effort of implementing environmentally sensitive technology in its manufacturing processes is the company’s policy since it started. Using the world’s most advance equipment for checking and controlling fuel emission is just a few things the company is willing to do for its quality assurance. By insuring each product is eco-friendly; Tata Motors is making it a mission to reduce hazardous materials in vehicle components, using ozone-friendly refrigerants, and by extending fluid and lubricants life.

Known as India’s largest automobile company, Tata Motors Limited is the leader in commercial vehicles in each segment. The company is among the top three in passenger vehicles and its winning product includes the utility vehicle segments, compact vehicles and midsize cars. Even though it is based in India, the company managed to be the world’s fourth largest truck manufacturer and not just that, it is also the world’s second largest bus manufacturer. The company is also the first from India’s engineering sector to be listed in the New York Stock Exchange in 2004. Tata Motors has emerged as an international automobile company with operations that spans from United Kingdom, Thailand, South Korea and Spain. All its commercial and passenger vehicles are marketed in Southeast Asia, South Asia, South America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Employing 24,000 employees, Tata Motors is guided by its company’s vision. "Best in the manner in which we operate, best in the products we deliver, and best in our value system and ethics”, based on their website.

Research and development has a major role in the company’s growing success. This is where the birth of new ideas came from which in return it gives life to its new products. Through constant upgrading of their facilities and by using a well-equipped torture track, the company enables to meticulously test all modifications before they are used as regular fitments. Its Engineering Research Center in Pune was even honored with two prestigious awards. These awards are “The DSIR National Award for R&D Effort in Industry” in 1999 and the “National Award for Successful Commercialization of Indigenous Technology by an Industrial Concern” in 2000.

Tata Nano

Also known as “The People’s Car”, the Tata Nano is a rear-engined four-passenger city car primarily built for the Indian market. With the fuel efficiency of around 26 kilometers per liter (73 mpg-imp or 61 mpg-US) on the highway and an estimated 22 kilometers per liter in the city, that makes this city car the cheapest car in the world. No just that, Tata Nano is also world’s cheapest electric car. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Nano has a predicted range of about 80 miles and will go from zero to about 35 miles per hour in just 10 quick seconds. Featuring polymer lithium-ion batteries, the EV can definitely provide superior energy retention that you can’t find from any ordinary electric cars.

Electrification is an essential part of the company’s initiative to venture in electric car industry. A triumph of homegrown engineering, the Nano EV encapsulates the dreams of Millions of Indians to have an electric vehicle of their own. Expected to boost the Indian economy as well as the company’s sales, the Tata Nano is armed with eco-friendly initiatives that includes using compressed-air as fuel and an electric powered version. Expected to mass produce the Nano, Tata Motors is planning to export the electric version in its worldwide market.

Tata MiniCAT

Tata Motors’ amazing breakthrough comes with their air- powered vehicle. The company’s air car was developed by an ex-Formula One engineer Guy Negre who uses compressed air to power the car rather than gas-and-oxygen explosions of internal-combustion models to drive its engine’s pistons. Popularized as Tata’s MiniCAT, the air car has a range of around 300 km between refuels. This simple and light urban car features a fiberglass body with a tubular chassis that glued not welded and it comes with microcontrollers to be used in every device in the car. Keyless entry is another amazing feature of Tata Motors’ MiniCAT. The traditional key is now replaced by a state of the art access card which can be read by the car even from your pocket.

The air car’s mileage is way better even doubling the most advanced electric car (200 to 300 km or 10 hours of driving). With this mileage, the MiniCAT is perfect for city driving where 80% of the motorist drives less than 60 km. The car’s top speed is 105 kmph and charging station are soon to be administered in petrol stations where drivers can get compressed air charging in just two or three minutes and the car is up and running for another 200-300 km. Truly a work of a genius, the air car will surely make headlines in the next few years.

Tata Indica EV

Exported since 2004 in Europe and Africa, the Tata Indica is the first passenger car from Tata Motors. Branded as India’s indigenously developed passenger car, the Indica is a hatchback automobile that features a homegrown engine found in Tata Motors’ line of pickups and SUV’s. But the development of Indica doesn’t stop there as the new electric version is set to hit the Europen market by 2009 and in India by 2010. The car’s co-developer is Miljoebil Grenland, a Norwegian automobile research and development company. This is the reason why this left hand drive electric car will be unveiled first in Norway by 2009.

The Tata Indica electric vehicle features high-performance lithium ion batteries that can speed up to 175-200 km in one full charge. The batteries can be fully charged in 8 hours though the electric vehicle’s mileage depends on the type of battery used. This EV is made primarily to capture the European’s electric vehicles market and this electric vehicle is definitely the best option for hybrid cars.

 Tata Indica Vista EV

Tata’s Indica EV is actually based on Indica Vista. Featuring the electrovaya’s batteries, the Vista EV is expected to give 120 miles (190 km) on a single charge. The Indica Vista’s electric version is utilizing the high-performance lithium-ion batteries which have offers superior energy density compared to conventional batteries. The Vista EV is also capable of carrying four passengers with ample space for luggage. Under 10 quick seconds, the Vista EV can range of up to 200 km and acceleration of 0-60 kmph. The Vista EV’s approach makes this vehicle a sought after electric vehicle in the market today.

This EV is perfect for city driving and going through congested traffic. Its range and low emissions would be the most important key points why consumers choose this EV. The updated Vista is already in the market and likely to hit other showrooms abroad in 2011. The company hopes that the Vista EV will be a more predictable option for consumers who are in the market for good quality electric vehicles. Tata Motors continues to provide its ingenuity and futuristic approach with the Indica Vista EV as the vehicle undergoes an extensive trial in Europe.