The two locally assembled Tata Ultra FE+ trucks launched in Johannesburg recently mark the start of a planned Ultrathon rollout of new models covering the full range in a series the Indian truckmaker has purpose-designed to suit African conditions.
The product move has started with the Ultra T.9 and Ultra T.14, both of which house Euro IV specification engines specifically engineered to run on local Euro II grade fuel but still provide significantly improved fuel efficiency.
The T.9 has a GVM of 8 990 kg and is powered by a Common Rail diesel 3,3-litre engine with 114 kW at 2 600 r/min and 450 Nm from 1 500 r/min on offer, driving through a six-speed manual transmission, while the T.14 (GVM 14 700) has a 5,05-litre engine with 132 kW at 2 400 r/min and 590 Nm of torque from 1 000 r/min available, also using a six-speed gearbox.
Anurag Mehrotra, vice president of International Business for Tata Motors says the company vision is not so much about product or services but is dedicated to ‘connecting aspirations’.
Entire Spectrum
“Connecting Aspirations is not a tagline but is a way of life for us at Tata Motors and this means looking at the entire spectrum of trucking and transport holistically. For example, the Ultra trucks are configured to create a good and comfortable workspace for the driver, rather than simply creating spec-driven vehicles.
“Also, we look closely at our fleet customers and how we can make it possible for them to do more trips a day and with fuel efficiency good enough for them to make more money per trip – and also making sure the vehicle does not go off road or have lengthy downtimes.”
In line with the comments made made by Mehrotra, the newcomers are kitted as standard with anti-lock braking, feature a walk-through cabin and the front end has parabolic suspension for improved ride quality, while the vehicles come with a 5-year/500 00 km factory warranty and are fitted with the Fleet Edge telematics solution.
Comfort and Productivity
“Over the last three decades, Tata commercial vehicles has earned a rich reputation with its exceptional functionality, high productivity, unmatched comfort, advanced connectivity and unparalleled performance.
“We have consistently set new benchmarks by introducing smarter and future-ready products across various vehicle segments. The launch of the latest Ultra range in South Africa marks a new landmark in freight transportation in the country.
"Built on the internationally recognised Ultra platform, these trucks are engineered to cater to a diverse set of applications, deliver higher performance, vehicle utilisation, uptime and more revenue. We are committed to enabling our customers in South Africa succeed and the launch of this Ultra range is a significant step forward in fulfilling this commitment,” says Mehrotra.
Discerning Operators
“Our products and services have been designed keeping the specific requirements of the discerning South African fleet operators who seek both, power and fuel efficiency. It also addresses the need for higher safety and comfort for the drivers. The new range has been extensively tested in South Africa to ensure it delivers to the expectations of our customers.”
Len Brand
Len Brand, managing director, Tata Africa Holdings Limited, added, "We are thrilled to announce the launch of two new trucks to the Tata commercial vehicle lineup. This introduction aligns seamlessly with our commitment as a partner to Tata Motors and their vision for South Africa. The addition of these innovative products to the South African transport sector serves as a catalyst in our ongoing efforts to secure a more significant market share in South Africa. We are excited about the potential these new offerings bring and the positive impact they will have on our presence in the region.”
Uptime Promise
"With a robust network of 90 touchpoints, we are focused on providing convenient and comprehensive support to our customers. Our dedication to delivering on our uptime promise remains strong. We assure our customers of complete satisfaction as we work to keep their businesses moving forward. In partnership with Tata Motors, we're contributing to innovation and reliability in the South African commercial vehicle landscape.”
Tata Motors offers an umbrella of vehicle lifecycle management solutions that include Annual Maintenance Contracts, Extended Warranty, Fleet Management Services and host of value-added services. These are coupled with vehicle financing and curated repayment options.
Looking to the future, Mehrotra said Tata was fully committed to greener transport and would ‘likely’ consider the introduction of fully electric trucks for last-mile delivery in South Africa.
“We do have to consider all options – many of our suppliers have simply stopped making any componenents for Euro II engines, which is why we had to configure the Ultra series specifically for South Africa. In India, Tata is testing all alternatives including hydrogen to ICE.”
“We are currently able to provide customers with CNG conversions if they want them,” says Brand.
