Tata Motors launches the Sumo Victa

Company release, July 8, 2004

New Delhi

Tata Motors, the country's largest automaker, today announced the launch of the Sumo Victa - a facelifted version of its best selling multi-utility vehicle, the Tata Sumo. Launched first in 1994, close to 270,000 Sumos have been produced so far, clocking the fastest 100,000 sales in the industry at the time of its launch. Last fiscal, the Tata Sumo was amongst the top selling models in a 55 model plus industry. The brand has become synonymous over time with the attributes of ruggedness, reliability and spaciousness and is favoured by those looking for a trusted, straightforward, low cost of ownership driving experience for the family.

The new Sumo Victa is a fine blend of the timeless and the new. Without compromising on its core appeal, the Sumo Victa now offers all that is contemporary in vehicle styling, design and technology. For the top end version, the fascia gets chrome lipped, squared mesh Tata grill along with two statement making clear lens headlamps. A single piece colour contrast front bumper with integrated fog lamps and air dams accentuates the front look. The treatment extends to the clear lens turn indicator lamps and the side cladding on the doors leading to the new vertical tail lamps. A chrome inlaid spare wheel cover and a new body hugging, rear bumper sign off the exteriors.

The interiors are all new. A new soft look dashboard wears a sporty center console and a tacho featured, multifunctional instrument panel. The styling is sharp, with straight edges and surfaces in keeping with the overall look of the vehicle. A new steering inclination angle, leather wrapped steering wheel, power steering, power windows on all four doors, key-less entry, local lumbar support on front seats and light intensity adjustment of the instrument panel make driving a pleasurable experience. Storage space is enhanced with a new floor console.

An all-new flexible seating system releases space on demand. The second row of seats can be split 60:40, folded and pushed forward. The new third row of front facing seats can be folded and completely removed releasing upto 2160 litres of luggage space.

The Sumo Victa comes with changes to its steering mechanism enabling it to have the smallest turning circle radius of 4.9 metres in its class. Maneuvering and parking become extremely comfortable. It provides the quietest cabin space, class leading airconditioning, best seating comfort and is the only vehicle equipped with an anti-theft device in the form of an engine immobilizer activated by the keyless remote.

Available in three different trim levels, 7 new colours and powered by a Bharat Stage II compliant, 90 PS turbo charged intercooled, or a 68 PS naturally aspirated diesel engine, the

Sumo Victa is priced attractively in the range of Rs.4.88 - Rs.5.87 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).

Speaking on the launch occasion, Dr. V Sumantran, Executive Director, ERC & Passenger Car Business Unit (PCBU), said "Despite the entry of new competition in the last four years, the sales of the Tata Sumo have grown from 25,000 vehicles in '99 - '00 to 28,000 vehicles in '03 - '04, an endorsement of the continuing appeal of the brand. Last fiscal it grew by 28% and is growing by 14% this fiscal. We are confident that with the launch of the Sumo Victa, the brand will enhance its appeal in the personal use segment."

The Sumo Victa comes with an 18 month unlimited kilometers warranty and will be retailed through 140 dealerships across the country. An optional additional 18-month warranty is also available on demand.

Tata Motors is the second largest passenger vehicle player in the country, having sold over 140,000 vehicles in '03 - '04. It enjoys a market share of over 17% and provides the second largest sales and service network, spanning over 500 outlets and 200 cities in the country. It retails 4 models across three segments - compact, entry mid-size and utility vehicle - and a price band of Rs.3 - 11 lakhs.

For further information, please contact:

Bhaskar Majumdar - 9811194244 / 9810439901

Vaishnavi Corporate Communications

Phone: (Direct) 011 - 52393515, 55515073, (Board) 011 - 52393000

E-mail: bhaskarm@vccpl.com