Report - Tata to setup CKD plant in Venezuela to make Manza and Indica

Tata Motors is setting up a plant in Venezuela, South America, to make the Tata Manza and Indica eV2, says a report on the Financial Express. Tata Motors has confirmed the plant, but didn't clarify the location or the models that are to be made there.

As it looks to de-risk its business by venturing into new markets, the Indian manufacturer is entering the South American market, which had an average growth rate of 11 percent per annum from 2003 to 2013. Tata already has nine commercial vehicle (CV) plants overseas, but the Venezuelan plant will be its first for passenger cars.

The plant will be operated through a joint partner, and initially, the Manza and Vista will be assembled from CKD kits shipped from India. The plant is expected to have an initial capacity of 20,000 units per annum.

A Venezuelan plant will help the company sell its wares in nearby countries like Brazil, which is currently the fourth largest auto market in the world (in terms of sales) with annual sales of 2.76 million units, and the largest in South America, which accounts for 4.5 million units annually.

Tata is likely to make an announcement about the plant in September.

[Source - Financial Express]