Tata to enter two vehicles in Automotive X Prize

[smsrini]

From AutoBlog:
"
Up until today, there were no major automobile manufacturers taking part in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize. That changes with Tata Motors signing a letter of intent to compete in both the Alternative and Mainstream classes. The Alternative Class allows for the use of fewer than four wheels, though Tata's intention is "to enter a pure e-drive micro car" in that class. The more relevant Mainstream Class requires four wheels, a two-hundred mile range and the equivalent of at least 100 miles per gallon from a package capable of carrying four passengers. For this class, Tata indicates that it will enter a Dominant Electric Hybrid vehicle. We're rather anxious to see what Tata is able to cook up for this eco-friendly competition, considering that whatever engineering goes into the development of its X Prize challengers can easily be applied to the production Nano, as well as Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

"
Its heartening to see a Indian manufacturer take on this challenge. No doubt the JLR design and engg. teams will have a role to play in this.

Since M&M has an edge over both Hybrid and BioDiesel vehicles ( they've shown the scorp hybrid and biodiesel at autoexpo ) till date, it will be interesting to see what Tata can come up in such a short span of time, and which of their Indian vehicle lineup will make it to the race.

The race is expected to be held in 2009.

More details at Progressive Automotive X PRIZE

C'mon Tata lets see some Indian prowess at work!

[greenhorn]

Attaboy Tata
Even if they dont win, the R&D experience will be priceless !

[sujaylahiri]

The Tata Nano is on its way to win a few awards for innovation and design this year. Good job there Tata.