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 The new EX range has a more user friendly interior than its predecessor.
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India's industrial giant, Tata, a company with a history that stretches back to the mid 19th century, has, in no more than a decade, become a key player in South Africa's economy. Not only does it have a 26% stake in this country's imminent new telephone network (aka, the Second National Operator), it is steadily building its presence on the African continent in trucking terms, with the launch of two new models and a rental division, reports Paul Collings.
At the core of SA's emergence as a global economic force is the building of physical infrastructure - in a word, construction. Whether it's roads, harbours or hotels, our landscape is being transformed, brick for brick, to not only host the 2010 World Cup Soccer tournament, but to successfully entrench SA as the economic hub of the African continent.
With a range that extends from one-ton bakkies to 6x4 truck tractors, Tata has grabbed the number three spot on the commercial vehicle sales chart in less than five years of entering the local market. Its new MCV models and its rental division should help entrench the company as a serious player in the local market.
Affordable rental
When it came to setting up its rental division, Tata made a Smart move in getting the wisdom of truck rental doyen, Eileen Caramanus of Imperial Truck Rental behind it. "The market for Tata Truck Rental is not confined to South Africa alone and we
envision expansions into Africa to assist with the developmental projects that are
being planned and which are already in progress," she says. "To compete with the developing and developed worlds, we have to leapfrog over them. We have to do things differently, learning from the successes and failures already made. The leapfrogging we have proposed is to use the hardiest and most robust technologies which Tata trucks offer, at affordable prices without compromising on quality and service."
With rental outlets positioned alongside existing Tata dealerships around the country, Caramanus believes "the combination of price competitive ability together with best technologies and service, positions Tata Truck Rental as both the ideal and accessible solution to developing South Africa and the region."
New loaders
With the launch of its EX range, the 2-ton SFC 407 EX and 3-ton LPT 709 EX derivatives, Tata is able to offer the market a vehicle with "the best features and the best value for money," says Dean Thomas, sales director, Tata Motors. "The new range comes with extra power, torque and economy while retaining the rigid heavy duty construction of the current vehicles. Customers can also expect longer engine life, lower maintenance cost, increased pulling power and improved comfort."
The SFC 407 EX has a 4 cylinder, 70 HP turbocharged engine, with a torque of 225 Nm@1500-1800 rpm. The LPT 709 EX has a 4 cylinder 90 HP turbocharged intercooled engine. "With a torque of 325 Nm@1300 -1600 rpm, it has a best pulling power in its class," says Thomas.
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From one-ton dropsides to 6x4 tippers, Tata Truck Rental services the gamut of commercial vehicle applications