POWERED by a Euro 4 compliant, 2-cylinder direct injected diesel engine that delivers 40 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 96 Nm of torque between 1,750 to 2,500 rpm doesn’t seem much on paper. Tata’s new Intra V10, however, is a strong and capable contender in a market looking for short-haul, last-mile delivery vehicles with long-distance capabilities.
Calculating the maximum “recommended” payload of 800 kilograms–the power-to-hauling capacity ratio of the Intra V10 comes close to or even rivals that of competing for light trucks with even bigger dimensions and powerplants. And at P545,000 for the base dropside model, the V10 also delivers great value, especially for the capital-conscious MSMEs, the main target customer for the “efficiency-maximized” built-in-India mini-transporter.
As Tata Motors Limited’s (TML) Anurag Mehrotra, Vice President for International Business and Strategy, Commercial Vehicles Business challenged the media to line up for a test drive and test the capabilities of the mini-truck and he said something very intriguing about the vehicle–”the recommended payload is 800 kilograms.”
When asked separately about this statement, he said that in the markets where Tata has a commercial vehicle presence, it is common practice for business owners to “maximize their payloads,” hinting that normal payloads are exceeded. Even if Tata recommends that the Intra V10 is for those customers who ply their vehicles in moderate load applications, it recognizes going beyond the recommended loads is a practice, especially in the SEA markets. Tata “took this into consideration and designed and built the Intra V10 based on market conditions and practices,” Mehrotra said.
The Tata Intra is a range of compact trucks built on TML’s new ‘Premium Tough’ design philosophy for commercial vehicles that combines “rising levels of visual richness and sophistication with robustness and reliability.”
When asked what the forecasts for the V10 are in the Philippines, Gina Domingo, President and General Manager of PilipinasAuto, the authorized distributor of Tata vehicles in the country said she expects sales volume to meet the demands and needs of the MSMEs looking for a compact utility and cargo vehicle. Domingo is also the head of Dong Feng Philippines, a commercial vehicle distributor. Both brands are under Pilipinas Autogroup Inc (PilipinasAuto).
“We are seeing that there will be a lot of volume from Visayas and Mindanao where there is a large market for the multi-cab. We recognize that there is a big demand in those areas. But in Metro Manila we see its big potential in last-mile delivery because of its size and ease of driving and parking,” Domingo told Malaya Business Insight as she also explained that the vehicle is a complete “package” perfect for first-time users as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises in the country with cargo and passenger applications that include an aluminum container van, mobile kitchen, patrol van, and apart from the basic dropside variant.
“Tata Motors is committed to having a strong commercial vehicle presence in the Philippines and will continue to deliver superior value propositions by introducing holistic mobility solutions. the all-newTata Intra V10 features are augmented for customers’ low operating costs and profitability. We are confident that the Pilipinas Autogroup team will support with utmost dedication in sales, financing, and service. We firmly believe that the customers will appreciate Intra V10 as it is aimed at delivering lower total cost of ownership (TCO), building on Tata Motors’ legacy of providing highly efficient and reliable products that ensure complete customer satisfaction,” added said.
The Intra V10 comes with an Eco Switch as well as a Gear Shift Advisor (GSA) which ensure that the customers get best in class fuel efficiency. It also has Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) not only lessens the steering effort but also makes for easier maneuvering for parking and tight narrow roads with a turning radius of only 4.75 m. The compact footprint makes it easily deployable on even the most congested of city roads. Fully loaded, it can traverse grades of up to 35 percent.
The chassis frame has been manufactured using hydroforming process and state-of-the-art robotic facilities delivering a high standard of quality and sturdiness. Fewer welding joints on the chassis mean higher structural strength, more durability, and lower NVH levels. The large loading area of 2512 mm x 1603 mm (8.2 ft x 5.3 ft), front and rear rigid axle with leaf springs for enhanced load carrying capability ensure more profits & savings for its owners.
“For ease of acquisition, partnerships are in place with major banks like BDO, BPI, Security Bank, PS Bank, Maybank and Eastwest Bank for affordable auto financing products. Tata Intra will now be available at as low as P 99,000 down payment promo financing scheme. Additionally, Tata Genuine Parts are now available online to help boost vehicle uptime and lower the total cost of ownership (TCO),” Jon Fernandez, Director, Pilipinas Autogroup Inc. said highlighting that it is supported by a nationwide network of sales, service, and spare parts dealerships.
