Tata Motors Showcases Xenon MaxCab to Lead Commercial Pickup Segment and Displays New Tractor Trailer Truck at the 28th Motor Expo

- Thai flooding crises has not affected local production of Tata pickups - Encourages businesses a quick recovery and ensures customers of immediate delivery of orders - Predicts a major change in the pickup market post-flood Tata Motors Thailand rolls out the Xenon MaxCab 2.2-litre diesel flat load bed pickup, to spearhead the commercial pickup segment and take to public the introduction of the new “Novus” tractor trailer truck at the at the 28th Motor Expo 2011. Tata confirms stronghold of its production capabilities and the flood has not affected the company. Tata expects to make immediate delivery of its vehicles to customers so that they get back to business quickly post-flood crises. The company pointed out that it would be expecting an increase in market share and a boost in sales of its pickup trucks as business operators are persistently choosing economy and value. Tata Motors Thailand will publicly showcase its Tata Xenon MaxCab, an extended-cab 2.2-litre DICOR diesel engine pickup with an entirely flat load bed at the 28th Motor Expo 2011 during 1-12 December 2011. The Xenon MaxCab is an extended-cab diesel pickup with an entirely flat load bed that has been recently introduced by Tata Motors Thailand. The Xenon MaxCab comes with a 140 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 320 Nm at 1,700-2700 rpm engine that delivers performance and fuel efficiency to satisfy both driving and heavy transport requirements. The Tata Xenon MaxCab maintains a signature raised body and flat load bed, providing payload space that is a benchmark and loading convenience with doors that open on three sides that has been carefully designed to meet the demands of businesses and ease in installing equipment for additional loading and transporting of goods and materials that will help satisfy both driving and heavy transport requirements. In addition to the Xenon MaxCab, Tata Motors will publicly unveil its new Tata Novus for the first time at the Thailand International Motor Expo. The Tata Novus is a powerful tractor trailer that meets European standards. The Novus CNG model with 6-cylinder Doosan engine and turbo intercooler will be displayed. The Novus CNG produces a maximum output of 340 hp at 2,100 rpm and maximum torque of 1,372 Nm at 1,260 rpm that comes with 8 large CNG tanks that is able to hold 1,312 liters. On displays at the Tata booth are a variety of Tata Xenon models that include diesel engine variants and full CNG systems. Displays will also include the Tata Super Ace City Giant as an alternative to the customers for their diverse applications. Meanwhile, customers who purchase the Tata Xenon pickup will be entitled to privileges of the government’s first-car tax rebate scheme as the Tata Xenon pickup truck is manufactured in Thailand. Guarantee in production, not affected from flooding crisis "It is fortunate for Tata Motors Thailand that our production was not affected by the flooding crises and that most of the supplied parts are from factories located in the east of Thailand that were not affected by the floods. At this point, we are a leading choice to various business operators who had been affected by the flood crises. They can choose commercial vehicles of Tata Motors to help business continuity. This applies to customers who use vehicles for both work and leisure so that they can resume their normal lives” said Mr. Abhichet Sitakalin, Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Customer Care at Tata Motors Thailand. Ensuring immediate delivery of the vehicles Mr. Abhichet Sitakalin added "Our assembly lines and production were not affected by the flooding. Tata Motors has been continuously preparing and producing pickup trucks throughout the year and have sufficient stock. Although the floods have receded, many vehicles have been affected or have been heavily damaged. Car-owners may need to find new replacements for seriously damaged vehicles. Repairs and maintenance services would also take several months. We are confident of our prompt delivery and our pickup truck customers can resume to normal life as quickly as possible. This will not only encourage business operators in need to restore businesses in a short time but also bring positive change to the country’s economic revival. Our marketing and PR plans will communicate to customers that vehicles are available for immediate delivery." Trend in the pickup market post-flood Mr. Abhichet Sitakalin, Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Customer Care at Tata Motors Thailand predicts major change in market post-flood crisis, "Some consumers were not be affected by the floods, but of course, the flood crises will result in reduction in spending and purchasing power. There will be increased spending on the repairs of residences and vehicles, transportation and moving services which may affect the decision to buy a new car. Supply will be more impacted than demand. Plants of many suppliers and original equipment (OE) have been flooded and damaged. This would interfere with the ability to produce vehicles for the market. In short, we will witness the market decline in the first instance". "Major manufacturers, vehicle assemblers and parts suppliers will need to adjust plans to bring the business back to normal as soon as possible, especially for parts productions. In addition, in the production of passenger vehicles, it can be seen that resumption of operation is faster than one-ton pickups production because assemblers and manufacturers can source parts from alternative sources – opposed to one-ton pickups, as more than 90 percent of parts needed for assembly are locally sourced and will need another 4 to 6 months for full production to resume normally”. "Consumers will be more decisive and rational in purchasing a new vehicle. Therefore, the consumers are shifting their focus and decision to buy a new vehicle based on value for money over other deciding factors. During the flooding, we have seen more use of one-ton pickups or commercial vehicles because they have greater purposes during the crisis as they sustain qualities of strong performance, water wading capabilities in comparison to passenger vehicles. Also most business operators especially in the rebuilding field, installation and freight will expand their businesses further. There will be a change in vehicle buying behaviors and deciding factors as more consumers will consider purchasing a one-ton pickup as it can be used as a vehicle on a daily basis and as a functional vehicle with good fuel economy and robustness in times of crises. Market share from passenger cars to commercial vehicles market is likely to change as well. Last year, both passenger cars and one-ton pickup trucks had similar sales volume. Next year, we forecast the sales of one-ton pickup is likely to be increased as long as consumers are going to be concerned about floods. We are confident that Tata one-ton pickup will be the pickup of choice as consumers look for good value for money” said Mr. Abhichet Sitakalin, Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Customer Care at Tata Motors Thailand. About Tata Motors Established in 2008, Tata Motors (Thailand) Co, Ltd. is a joint venture between Tata Motors and Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Co., Ltd. to manufacture and market world class automobiles. Tata Motors is a global organization. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising the two iconic British brands. Tata Motors is the country's market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. It is also the world's fourth largest truck manufacturer and the third largest bus manufacturer. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia and South America. For further information please visit http://www.tatamotors.co.th You may also contact: Thitinee Charuvichitratana Tata Motors Thailand Tel: +662 261 5500 E-mail: [email protected] Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net

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