Tata Motors which recently showcased an electric variant of Indica today made a strategic acquistion to fulfill its ambition of launching the car in 2009. Tata Motors’ UK subsidiary, Tata Motors European Technical Centre plc, has acquired a 50.3% holding, at an acquisition cost of Kroner 12 million (Rs.9.40 crores), in Miljø Grenland/Innovasjon, Norway, which specialises in the development of innovative solutions for electric vehicles. The balance of shares will be retained by the existing shareholders who will continue to be associated with the venture.
Miljø will produce electric vehicles based on Tata Motors’ products, besides manufacturing of state-of-the-art super polymer lithium ion batteries and the development of related technologies. Tata Motors believes that this investment in Miljo will help the company realise its strategy to develop convenient, affordable and sustainable mobility solutions through electric and hybrid vehicles.
The first such vehicle to be developed by the company will be the Indica EV. It is scheduled for launch in Europe during 2009. Unlike existing electric vehicles, Indica EV will be a more practicable option for the consumer: capable of carrying 4 people, adequate luggage space, with a predicted range of up to 200 km and acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds. As in the Nano, Tata Motors continues its innovative approach with Indica EV too, using super polymer lithium ion batteries which will have superior energy density compared to the current best-in-class electric vehicles.