Mumbai
Tata Motors is presently engaged in the development of a new petrol powertrain customized for its premium sports utility vehicles, Harrier and Safari, as announced by Shailesh Chandra, the company’s Managing Director for Passenger Vehicles. Currently, both models are fitted with a 2-liter diesel engine.
Chandra emphasized Tata Motors’ initial focus on diesel engines, attributing it to the substantial demand for diesel-powered vehicles in the SUV segment, which constitutes approximately 80 percent of the market share, equating to around 200,000 units annually. However, recognizing the shifting trends and the potential opportunities presented by petrol engines, Tata Motors is investing in the creation of a 1.5-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine for their SUVs, aiming to cater to the remaining 20 percent of the market.
While this transition necessitates comprehensive product integration and development, Chandra reassured stakeholders that the company is actively building the necessary capabilities to bring the new petrol engine to fruition. He stressed the importance of maintaining competitive pricing to effectively capitalize on the evolving market dynamics.
Recently, Tata Motors unveiled upgraded versions of the Harrier and Safari, with prices commencing at Rs 15.49 lakh and Rs 16.19 lakh, respectively, demonstrating the company’s commitment to maintaining its position at the forefront of the competitive premium SUV segment. This strategic move underscores Tata Motors’ dedication to innovation and responsiveness to market demands, positioning the company for continued success in the dynamic automotive landscape.
