Nano-based Tata 'Pelican' under development to rival Maruti Alto - Report

Would be India's most affordable diesel car.

Even as Tata Motors are working on the Indica-based hatchback and compact sedan (codenamed Kite), a compact SUV (production version of the Nexon) and routine facelifts/updates for its other products, Business Standard has shed light on a new small car codenamed 'Pelican'.

The Pelican, according to sources who spoke to the publication, will be Tata's Maruti Alto 800 rival. Tata's dream small car, the Nano, may have not met the success it was hoping for, but the company plans on leveraging its platform for the future Alto competitor.

According to the report, power for the Pelican would come from a 1.0-liter petrol engine and a 0.8-liter diesel engine. Tata has tested a diesel engine on the Nano, however, company officials confirmed to Indian Autos Blog that a Nano diesel would not be launched.

The Pelican will be based on a re-engineered version of the Nano's platform, and will be exported to certain overseas markets as well. Given that it is making a comeback into the entry segment, Tata is targeting monthly sales of about 2,500 units.

Also read: Refreshed Tata Nano Twist Active spotted on test

The Pelican will be made at the Sanand facility - home of the Tata Nano - which is heavily underutilized at the moment. The Kite twins are also reported to enter production at this facility.

Competitors: Maruti Alto 800, Hyundai Eon, Renault XBA, Datsun Redi-Go
Expected Price: INR 2.5-3.5 lakhs
Launch date: 2016-17

[Source - BusinessStandard]