Tata Motors, is introducing more commercial and passenger vehicle models in the South African market. Currently on display at the Auto Africa '06 in Johannesburg, these models will further strengthen Tata Motors position in South Africa.

In commercial vehicles, new trucks (6 and 10 tonners), tippers (2-6 cubic metre capacity) and bakkies (1.3-tonne flat beds) are being launched. These vehicles are aimed at meeting diverse transportation needs of the country.

In the passenger vehicles segment the company is launching its Safari Dicor, which will be available in early 2007. Tata Motors currently markets the Indica hatchback, Indigo sedan and Indigo Station Wagon. Already available in the Indian market, these vehicles will be introduced in select markets including Europe.

Also on display for the first time at the Expo are two concept cars -- Tata Crossover, a 'crossover' vehicle concept, and Tata Cliffrider, a multi-utility lifestyle vehicle' concept.

"In a period of only three years, Tata Motors has emerged as the third-largest player in South Africa's commercial vehicles market, and one of the fastest-growing brands in passenger vehicles, says Ravi Kant, managing director, Tata Motors. He ads, "Encouraged by this response, through our presence in only some segments, our endeavour now is to expand our range with improved applications, to reach out to more customers and build a lifetime relationship."

In South Africa, Tata Motors sold over 16,500 vehicles in 2005-06. The models currently being sold are Indica, Indigo, Indigo Stationwagon in the passenger cars segment, trucks in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segment and Tata Novus tippers in the extra-heavy commercial vehicle segment.

Over the years, Tata Motors has emerged as South Africa's leading player in various segments like 2-tonne, 4-tonne and 8-tonne and is the market leader in the tipper segment and the No. 2 in the medium commercial vehicles segment.

In passenger cars, Tata Motors' Indigo Stationwagon has emerged as the best selling estate.

Tata Motors is also strengthening its presence in Congo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Tata Motors is part of the Tata Group which is one of India's largest and most respected business conglomerates, with a leadership position in engineering, materials, energy, chemicals, consumer products, services, and communications and information systems with revenues in 2005-06 of $22 billion.