Tata Hexa sales hit zero units while the company was facing an overall decline of 84% due to COVID-19 lockdown
With customers reluctant to buy BS4 vehicles, Tata Motors has suspended production of its Hexa SUV. Not even a single unit was produced in March and sales were also zero. Hexa is the only product in Tata’s portfolio that hasn’t been updated to comply with BS6 emission standards. All other Tata PV models are in their 2020MY BS6 format. Tata Altroz was BS6 compliant right from its launch earlier in the year.
On the bright side, BS4 stocks with Tata dealerships are close to zero. Tata Motors appears to have planned things in advance by adjusting production and offering discounts on its BS4 stock. In comparison, many other automakers and their respective dealerships are struggling with a significant stock of BS4 models. Even with the Supreme Court’s 10-day window for selling BS4 vehicles, it would be difficult to sell all the stock. Tata Hexa was available at a discount of Rs 2.25 lakh last month.
Tata Gravitas, which was showcased at Auto Expo 2020, was expected to be Hexa’s replacement. However, Tata Motors had surprised everyone by unveiling Tata Hexa Safari Concept alongside. It featured a BS6 powertrain. Tata Motors had also shared that BS6 Hexa will be launched in the next financial year. That could have happened in April or later this year but things are now quite uncertain due to COVID-19.
Tata Hexa used to register sales of around 100 units per month. It was preferred for its reliable performance and off-road capabilities. The BS4 model was sold with two diesel engine options: Varicor 320 and Varicor 400. The former generated a maximum power of 148bhp at 4,000rpm and peak torque of 320Nm at 1,500-3,000rpm. The engine came mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
The Varicor 400 engine churned out 154bhp and 400Nm. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual and as well as a 6-speed automatic. It remains uncertain if these engines will be upgraded to BS6 specifications.
In March, Tata Motors sold a total of 5,676 cars which translates into YoY loss of -68.13%. Sales during the same period a year before stood at 17,810 units. Still, Tata Motors attained the fifth position in the list of top carmakers in March 2020. With the exception of new entrants (Kia Motors and MG Motor), all other carmakers have registered negative YoY growth in March 2020. April is expected to be even worse as half of the month will constitute the current lockdown period.
