Tata Motors is re-entering the Australian auto market with the introduction of its light pick-up truck, Xenon. The company is all-set to launch the Xenon range in the last quarter of 2013 in a partnership agreement with Fusion Automotive. Based in Melbourne, Victoria, Fusion Automotive has a reputation of over 100 years of work experience in OEM, distribution, wholesale and retail sectors in automobile industry. The marketing and distribution operations for Tata Motors will be handled by Fusion Automotive in Australia.
In the initial phase, the Tata Xenon will be distributed through approximately 13 dealerships across Australia while the company is targeting to expand the product reach to 25 outlets within the next one year. Tata Motors will introduce the Xenon in 4X2 and 4X4 drivetrain options in single-cab and crew-cab (double-cab) body constructions. The hardcore pick-up will be powered by the 2.2-litre, turbocharged diesel engine that produces 140 BHP of power and 320 Nm of torque.
The same engine powers the Indian Tata Xenon but the company has improved the emission levels to Euro V for the Australian market. The Xenon is enriched with features like ABS and EBD, ventilated brake disc, air conditioning and power windows. It is likely that company will introduce airbags on the Xenon for the Australian market. The light pick-up truck segment is almost absent in India but global markets have a strong liking towards these kind of vehicles.
The Australian market already has thirteen major brands in the pick-up segment including SsangYong, Mahindra, Ford and Toyota. Tata Motors believes Indian roads are the best in the world to test the potential of any vehicle and with the same approach the company is assured about the capabilities of the Xenon to survive in the Australian market. After the introduction of the Xenon, Tata Motors also has further plans to introduce its passenger vehicle range in the same market. The Indian automaker is aggressively approaching offshore markets as the company is also planning to set down an assembly unit in Indonesia, majorly for the ASEAN markets.
