Tata Streamlines Platforms, Launches Tech Incubator

Tata Motors Ltd. says it will shrink the number of passenger vehicle platforms it uses from six to two by 2018 as it rolls out at least seven new product variants over the next two years.

The company also has created a new sub-brand called Tamo to identify and develop advanced mobility services and technologies. The unit will act as a low-volume, low-investment incubator and provide what Tata describes as a “digital eco-system” to support the company’s mainstream business.

Tata intends to debut the first product developed by Tamo at next month’s Geneva auto show.

Meanwhile, a highly flexible and scalable platform approach underpins Tata’s new passenger car strategy. The 15-module system, which accounts for 70% of a vehicle’s cost, will reduce new-product investment, speed development and shorten time-to-market. The system also will improve economies of scale by resulting in at least 80% parts commonality across products, according to the company.