Tata is seeing a positive response to its new compact SUV, the Nexon, with the 10,000th model rolling out from the manufacturer’s Ranjangaon, Pune plant.
In terms of numbers, the Nexon registered sales of 5,871 units – 4,366 diesel and 1,505 petrol - till end-October. Based on its performance, November sales are expected to be in excess of 2,500 units.
The top-spec XZ+ trim, which comes with features like LED daytime running lamps, an optional dual-tone roof, a 6.5-inch touchscreen and alloy wheels, commands the highest demand with waiting period of around eight weeks at most locations. The dual-tone blue and red paint shades se the highest demand while among the single-tone shade options, the silver and grey are most asked for.
The mid-sped XT and XM variants are also popular, with the former getting kit like a cooled glovebox, automatic climate control and rear AC vents, while the latter is equipped with a Harman-developed sound system, steering-mounted controls and rear parking sensors.
Available with a 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 110hp, 1.5-litre diesel, which are mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, an AMT version is expected to launch in the near future.
The manufacturer’s passenger vehicle sales have seen a significant upsurge recently thanks to models like the Nexon compact SUV, Tiago hatchback, Tigor sedan and Hexa SUV. During the April-October 2017 period, the firm moved a total of 1,10,415 units, a year-on-year growth of 9.23 percent. Tata has also increased its PV market share to 5.78 percent from 5.70 percent a year ago. In the UV segment, with sales of 19,737 units, Tata Motors’ market share has risen to 3.8 percent from 2.08 percent in April-October 2016.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
