Tata Motors rolls out the 100,000th Ace in just 22 months

Our Corporate Bureau
19 March 2007

Tata Motors has announced the rollout of its 100,000th Ace from its Pune Plant, within 22 months of the launch of the sub 1-ton carrier. The Ace is the first mini-truck in India and was first rolled out in May 2005. Ratan N Tata, chairman, Tata Motors, flagged off the 100,000th Ace.

As India's first four-wheel sub-1 tonner, the Ace created a new category in the commercial vehicle segment and has received a very strong response from customers across the country. The vehicle has also been launched in Sri Lanka.

To meet the growing demand for the small vehicle from transporters across the ountry, Tata Motors is setting up a dedicated plant at Pant Nagar in Uttaranchal to manufacture the Ace. This plant will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 250,000 units and will begin production this year.

"It is a moment of great pride and satisfaction for all of us at Tata Motors on achieving this milestone in such a short span of time," commented Ravi Kant, managing director, Tata Motors. He added, "We are happy that we have been able to meet customers' need for a mini-truck for the last-mile connection, while providing comfort, style and easy maintenance. What particularly pleases us is that the Ace has been able to generate self-employment, with many of its owners being individuals who have entered the transportation industry for the first time."

The Ace is powered by a small and unique fuel-efficient twin-cylinder 16PS IDI 700cc diesel engine. Suitable for both rural and urban use, the Ace has the ability to carry a variety of payloads and has the agility to navigate narrow by-lanes with its turning radius of 4.3 metres.