Tata Motors is banking on the Philippines’ PUV
(Public Utility Vehicle) Modernization program as a way to grow its business in
the country. At the Truckathon 2017 yesterday, the company showcased a variety
of commercial vehicles in the country. These included the new Tata SFC 407
Jeepney concept.
The Tata SFC 407 Jeepney concept, seen in these live
images from Autoindustriya, is based on the SFC 407 (Tata 407) light truck.
Featuring a slightly more upscale design than the SFC 407 trucks, the SFC 407
Jeepney concept is a mini bus with a side entrance. It has seats for 22
passengers, in two full-size rows on the sides. Currently, the buses offered by
the company in the Philippines have 25 or more seats.
The Tata SFC 407 Jeepney concept is powered by a
3.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that develops 75 PS at 2,800
rpm and 225 Nm of torque from 1,500-1,800 rpm. A 5-speed manual transmission
sends the drive to the rear wheels of the bus. The fuel tank capacity is 60
litres.
Tata Motors has partnered with Pilipinas Taj
Autogroup for expanding its CV business. Pilipinas Taj Autogroup serves as the
official distributor of Tata Motors commercial vehicles in the Philippines. The
company will sell the Tata Prima Range of Tractor Trailers and Tippers, the LPT
range of Light, Medium and Heavy Trucks, SFC 407, and the Mini Trucks range of
Ace and Super Ace in the country.
