Archive for the ‘Tata Motors’ Category

Tata Motors To Repair Nanos For Fire Hazard

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

While Tata Motors insists that it is not a recall, they are asking owners of the world’s cheapest car, the Nano, to bring in their vehicles for a free upgrade in safety equipment. The upgrade is in response to reports of mysterious circumstances which led to six cars catching fire since the car was first introduced last year. Tata Motors Group CEO and managing director Carl-Peter Forster said, “The Nano car is a very reliable and safe vehicle. The company has undertaken a second check and found that the vehicle has a safe design. After a thorough investigation by a team of internal and international experts, it was found that the fire hazard problem was specific to the cars which had the incidents.”

The company has taken up several corrective measures. They will now offer a cover on the catalytic converter to prevent the car from catching fire, as well an add a fuse in the electrical system to prevent short circuits. For any Nano cars produced before January 2010, they will also be replacing the starter motor. The company will contact owners of the Nano and perform the upgrades free of charge.

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Jaguar’s 2011 XJ Offers A Sleek Design

Tuesday, September 7th, 2010

In March of 2008, when Tata Motors purchased Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, some feared the sale would alienate the typical Jaguar owner. Based on early sales figures, this just isn’t true.

The XJ model has been one of the best sellers for Jaguar since it was introduced in 1968. Over the years the car has undergone major redesigns, but never really strayed far from the original model. The new 2011 XJ model is said to have a “wow factor that has smitten those who thought the XJ model had become too old school.”

“We are trying to bring the word ‘sleek’ back to Jaguar styling,” said Ian Callum, chief designer.

  • The dashboard has been redesigned nine inches lower, giving the cabin a roomy feeling.
  • The new interior is one of the most elegant in the industry, with soft grain leather trimmed with choice wood or carbon fiber.
  • The mechanical components of the XJ is basically the same as its predecessor, but with key refinements.
  • The exterior still has the same luxurious Jaguar look, but with a thoroughly modern design.

It seems that the transition of Jaguar from Ford to Tata motors has been a smooth one. With the help of Ford, Jaguar continues to offer the luxury and design their customers expect.

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Tatas Nano Breaks Into Flames

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

In Mumbai, India, Satish Sawant, a software engineer, was driving him and his family home from the car dealership in his band new Nano automobile. Shortly after leaving the dealership they began to smell smoke coming from the engine compartment in the back of the car. Satish and his family safely exited the car as it became engulfed in flames.

This is not the first time there have been complaints about the Nano. Last fall there were three Nano’s where customers complained about their car starting to smoke. Tata Motors attributed the problem to a faulty electrical switch and said it had changed suppliers and done additional tests to rule out a recall or redesign. A Tata Motors spokesman assured that the incidents are not related.

Tata Motors, which also owns Jaguar and Land Rover, have bragged about their Nano vehicle as one of the world’s cheapest cars. The company hoped it would be part of a safety revolution as it would get people off of dangerous motorbikes and into an affordable car.

Tata Motors plans to start selling versions of the Nano in Europe in 2011 followed by an introduction into America. Some say the Nano’s smoke and fire problems are a result of the poor quality control issues at India’s number three car maker, which must be addressed before Tata can successfully take its brand global.

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Nissan Plans World’s Least Expensive Car

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

The chief of Nissan has announced plans to produce a small car for sale in India. It will cost less than any other car sold in the world. It should be available in 2011.

The car will be manufactured by Bajaj Auto in India. It will compete with with Tata Motors, Nano, which sells for as little as $2,500.00 and started selling this year. The Nano is a hatch back that can seat up to five people.

General Motors and Toyota have announced that they also intend to sell a low cost car in India.

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Posted in General Motors, Nissan, Tata Motors, Toyota | No Comments »