The initiative between Tata Motors, Daewoo Commercial
Vehicles and Hispano Carrocera aims to maximize the sinergies through the same
collaboration line on design, development and the manufacturing coordination of
the whole range of products. Gerardo Múgica, CEO of Hispano, states: "
the intention is to maximize efficiency and reliability of operations through
the joint development of chassis, bus bodies and complete vehicles."
Despite Hispano´s strategic lines do not envisage the
introduction of chassis from Tata in the European market, Gerardo Múgica
comments: "our goal is to become the best commercial partner of the
European manufacturers Irisbus Iveco, Man, Mercedes, Scania, VDL Daf and Volvo.
The order porfolio reaches 1.100 vehicles which will be built on different
chassis models of the mentioned brands and will be produced in our two
manufacturing plants."
The start up of the project will be signed by the Board of
Directors of Tata Motors in the upcoming April. The Managing Director of Tata
Motors and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hispano, Ravi Kant, has
delegated to Gerardo Múgica the implementation and development of the
platform, and states that " being appointed the leader of this initiative
means for Hispano not only a challenge but a great honor. In any case, our
priority is to generate excellent economic results from our current
manufacturing plants."
Product Presentations in Auto Expo New Delhi
In the 8th edition of Auto Expo in New Delhi, Tata Motors showcased two
prototypes entirely developed by Hispano with the aim of covering the
increasing transport demands in India.
During the presentation last January, Mr. Múgica declared:
"Hispano plays a relevant role as a catalyst on the introduction of
European standards in the indian region. Low floor access, structures prepared
for roll-over, accessibility for disable people and avant garde design are
concepts which are increasingly demanded by the main transport operators in
India"
The tourist coach GLOBUS, presented during the event last
January, will be positioned in a new segment of luxury vehicles within the
indian market. Tecnologically, this prototype has been conceived from the DIVO
model, currently commercialized in European markets, althought the GLOBUS has
been re-styled according to the indian market needs.
At the same time, Tata Motors showed two semi-finished
modules of the new generation of urban buses. These prototypes are based on the
Habit model of Hispano which was designed by the prestigious Studi Pininfarina.
The presentation of these two products and the launch of the
new global initiative, reinforce the clear intention of Tata Motors to jointly
develop the global bus market. In this sense, Mr. Ravi Kant stated this month
that " our main goal is to help Hispano hit the market and boost its
capabilities to reach the first line in the global industry ".
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