Tata Motors mulls localisation of AMT kits

Earlier this year, Tata Motors introduced an automated manual transmission (AMT) version of the Nano. The car is fitted with an imported AMT unit, manufactured by Italian company, Magneti Marelli.

The AMT variant of the Nano has turned out to be popular and accounts for about 40% of the total demand for the car. However, the supply of AMT kits has not been strong enough to match the demand and as a result, there is a waiting period for the car. Tata Motors is planning to localise AMT kits in the next calendar year in an attempt to reduce the waiting period.

With the company planning to equip more models with AMT, localisation of these kits will definitely help in the long run.

The demand for AMT-equipped vehicles has been strong in India. The Maruti Suzuki Celerio, which was launched in February 2014, was the first car to use this technology. Maruti went on to equip other budget cars in its line-up (Alto K10 & WagonR) with this technology. The Zest diesel was the first car from Tata Motors to get an AMT. Mahindra has also stepped into the scene with an AMT-equipped version of the TUV300 and Renault is expected to launch an AMT version of the Kwid hatchback in the coming months.

Source: Deccan Herald