Tata Motors today unveiled the Tata Ultra, the company's new LCV and ICV range, the Tata Starbus Fuel Cell (hydrogen) and the Tata LPT 3723, India's first 5-axle rigid truck.

These, as also its new CNG-electric hybrid buses, will be commercially launched in the next financial year.

"The Ultra range and the LPT 3723 will create new segments and generate higher incomes for their owners. As importantly, we are displaying our progress with alternate fuel technologies towards a more comprehensive portfolio for the future,'' said P M Telang, managing director, India operations.

The Tata Ultra LCV & ICV range will comprise a series of variants from 5 to 14 tonnes. The range will be powered by new generation 3L (138 HP) and 5L (168 HP) common rail (DiCOR) 16-valve engines, offering higher aggregate life, longer service intervals and low NVH.

The sleek and elegant walk-through steel cabin, a dash-mounted cable shift gear and hydraulic cabin tilt mechanism make the driver at home. Ergonomically designed mechanically suspended seats with integral headrest, power steering, which is tiltable, telescopic and collapsible, and clear-lens headlamps will make long drives stress-free in all weather conditions. The instrument cluster -- showing live and trip mileage, clutch and brake wear indicator, seat and door ajar warning, water-in-fuel indicator, economy assistance -- permits continuous vehicle monitoring in drive.

The Ultra's high strength Domex 650 steel rolled chassis frame with high tensile strength and straight long member construction allows the platform the flexibility of multiple wheel bases at multiple payload points. Radial tyres, parabolic leaf springs, tuned shock absorbers and, for the first time in the category, disc brakes ensure safe transit of goods.

The Tata LPT 3723 is India's first 5-axle rigid truck. With a payload of 25 tonnes, which, industry analysts say, is ideal for cement and steel movement, it will radically change transportation economics by reducing he cost/tonne-km.

It is powered by a Cummins 6BT 5.9L engine (154 kW power at 2500 rpm) and mated with a 9-speed gearbox, the first in a rigid truck in India. Twin steerable front axles, a twin-drive axle and a tag-lift axle, the only truck to have such a technology, reduces tyre and fuel costs. The turning circle diameter of 21.9 metres makes it more maneuverable than a tractor-trailer. The air-conditioned cabin, ergonomic dashboard and instrument cluster and stylish interior trims give drivers the comfort to cover longer distances at a stretch.

The Tata Starbus Fuel Cell Concept is another path-breaking Tata Motors initiative on alternate fuels. It has been developed with support from the government of India's Department of Scientific and Industrial Research under the Technology Development and Demonstration Programme.

In fuel cell technology, hydrogen is stored in compressed form. It combines with oxygen to generate electricity, which in turn charges a battery to power the vehicle's motor, emitting only water vapour. This mechanism involves a fuel cell with gross peak power of 114 HP, coupled with a motor with the peak power output of 250 HP with motor speed from 600 rpm to 2100 rpm and torque of 1050 Nm at 800 rpm.

The maximum speed of the bus is 70 kmph and gradeability is 17 per cent, which is very suitable for city application.

The Tata Paradiso G7 Multi-axle Coach, jointly developed by Tata Motors and Tata Marcopolo Motors Limited on the Tata LPO2138 rear engine platform with world class aggregates and Marcopolo's internationally acclaimed body design, will set a new benchmark in India's luxury inter-city travel segment with an experience hitherto not seen in the country.

The bus comes loaded with features like separate deluxe and luxury seating areas. The interiors have been accentuated by ergonomically designed wide recliner seats and individual AC louvres, while LED lights offer optimum illumination. Optional features include sleeping and semi-sleeping seats, on-board refrigerator, HVAC with demister, mobile charging points. Individual ear-phones and speakers with volume control for every passenger and 4 LCD screens offer superior quality entertainment.

Other commercial vehicles displayed are the Tata Prima 7548.S - Concept, the Tata Prima 3138.K AT, the Tata Venture Ambulance, the Tata Ace Refresh and the Tata Super Ace with a left hand drive, clearly indicating that it would be targeted for overseas sales.