Tata Motors boosting workforce at UK Technical Center

Tata Motors European Technical Center (TMETC) will see plenty of activity over the next few years as the Indian manufacturer plans to recruit more qualified professionals to work on its projects. By 2013, it will employ 340 staff members from the current 240.

It also has announced a tie-up with the University of Warwick.

Tim Leverton, Tata head of Advanced and Product Engineering -

Today’s announcement represents a further demonstration of Tata’s long-term commitment to build and develop R&D facilities here in the UK. TMETC plays a vital role in Tata Motors global R&D network. Tata Motors gets access to world class thoughts, skills and technologies through the TMETC and its collaboration with WMG. The contribution of TMETC and WMG is important to Tata Motors product development.

TMETC could develop the production version of the 3-door Pixel city car for European markets. The Pixel concept car sporting funky features like scissor doors and innovative parking mechanism was developed in a lab at Warwick. Designers removed many buttons and features to make room for four adults inside the car. Warwick researchers and TMETC are collaborating to develop low-emissions technology.

Following the Pixel, TMETC can work on seeing off the European Nano to the production line. Projects TMETC has already been part of include the Indica Vista EV.