Tata Motors Will Make CNG Cars, With Factory-Fitted CNG Kits: Date Of Launch, Models & More

Automobile major Tata Motors plans to foray into CNG fuelled passenger vehicle segment in FY22. Accordingly, a few of the company’s models will be offered with a factory-fitted CNG kit. At present, Tata Motors provides an option to get the CNG kits fitted in some of its PVs at dealerships.

Factory Fitted CNG Option

In light of recent spikes in transportation fuel costs, the move takes on added significance. The latest option is expected to round out the company’s electric lineup.

Shailesh Chandra, President, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, told IANS that factory-fitted CNG options for some models would be launched in the current fiscal year.

“Currently, we have a comprehensive PV portfolio with ICE and EV options for customers to choose from. Our customers also have the option to get the CNG kits fitted at the dealerships. In FY22, our customers will also get a factory-fitted CNG option for some of our models,” Chandra said.

On the current sales growth, Chandra cited new launches as well as continued financing support with attractive interest rates as the main factors for the month-on-month rise in demand.

“Movement of people within the city and intercity has started. However, owing to limited public transport options and concerns over travel in available public transport options on account of the Covid-19 pandemic, reliance on private transport is expected to increase, giving a boost to the demand for the vehicles. We are also seeing good traction from the rural sector owing to good Rabi harvest post the festive season,” Chandra said.

Sustainable Demand Trajectory

Also, he emphasised the improving indicators, which indicate a gradual yet steady shift toward a more long-term demand trajectory. In March 2021 and Q4FY21, the company’s PV division had its best sales in nine years.

In FY21, the business registered its highest-ever annual sales in eight years, posting a growth of 69 per cent versus FY20. The PV business’ overall sales grew by 422 per cent during March 2021 to 29,654 units from 5,676 units sold in March 2020.

According to Chandra, the company is bullish about the demand in CY21.

“Sales momentum will continue on the back of strong economic fundamentals which are driving key macroeconomic indicators such as the positive outlook of GDP growth, uptake in rural consumption, continued urban demand, attractive interest rates and expected recovery in SMEs,” he said.

In terms of COvid-19’s second wave, he claims that the company’s learning from last year has prepared it to deal with any disturbances in 2021.