Like Volkswagen Group has the MQB A0 platform, which is used across the board by Skoda, Audi, VW, Bentley to produce different cars – Tata Motors is developing the Alfa and Omega platform in a similar way. These new platforms will be the basis of their 12 new cars which are scheduled for in the next 5 years. This was revealed by their President, Mr Mayank Pareek to PTI.
Tata Motors had showcased the first two cars which are based on these new Alfa and Omega platforms at the 2018 Auto Expo. There were in the form of in the form of the 45X and H5X concepts. It is on the Omega platform that the soon to be launched Tata Harrier will be based, while the Alfa will underpin their premium hatchback to rival Maruti Baleno, Hyundai i20.
Alfa and Omega platforms have been developed for use on hatchbacks, sedans and mid size SUVs. Workability of these platforms will reduce both time and money spent on R&D as Tata Motors seeks to increase their market share considerably over the next 5 years.
Alfa platform is new, while the Omega platform is a derivative of the LS550 platform seen on the Land Rover. Among the lineup of 10-12 new cars being planned for launch over the next few years, all the models hatchback and sedan segment will be based on the Alfa platform while larger models – MPVs and SUVs will be positioned on the Omega platform.
The first car to be launched on their new platform will be Tata Harrier. It will be launched in the first quarter of 2019. The SUV is currently being tested ahead of official launch in the country and will be rolled out from the Indica production line which is being modified to support the Harrier modular construction with 85% automation levels.
The Harrier, based on Omega-Arc (Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced Architecture), will see the use of affordable materials and components so as to keep costs down.
This will help the company price the car aggressively at launch. Same will be the other cars from Tata. These will be heavily localized, thus offering more value for money proposition to their customers.
