Tata Motors eyes gains in SUV space; expands portfolio with new model Curvv
Tata Motors is looking to consolidate its position in the SUV segment as it marks its entry into the highly competitive mid-size space which is currently dominated by South Korean and Japanese carmakers. The Mumbai-based auto major on Monday launched midsize SUV coupe Curvv with petrol and diesel powertrains with a price starting at Rs 9.99 lakh.
The company has already unveiled the electric version of the model in August.
The model would be competing with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Honda Elevate, among others.
«Curvv is being positioned in the fast-growing, mid-size SUV segment, which is roughly 16 per cent of the whole industry (passenger vehicle) size. If translated into numbers, it would be like 7 lakh units a year,» Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle MD Shailesh Chandra told PTI in an interaction.
The segment is very competitive with various brands having a product already in the market, he noted.
Therefore, if one enters this segment so late, then it will have to think of coming up with a slightly differentiated approach, Chandra said.
«And that was the thinking behind Curvv..which comes with an SUV coupe body style. We saw that this was gaining popularity globally, especially in the premium or luxury segment,» he added.
Further, he said: «So we thought, why don't we bring this into the crowded segment as a fresh, refreshing kind of a body style.»
When asked about sales expectations from the model, Chandra said: «We have come with
