Tata Motors has strengthened its popular Nexon range with the launch of the Nexon iCNG, featuring a turbocharged engine running on compressed natural gas (CNG). This addition expands the Nexon’s powertrain options to four: petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric, solidifying Tata’s commitment to a diverse energy portfolio.
The Nexon iCNG, priced between ₹8.99 lakh and ₹14.59 lakh (ex-showroom), introduces several innovative features:
- Twin 60-liter CNG cylinders, replacing the traditional single large tank
- Direct start in CNG mode
- Single ECU for seamless switching between petrol and CNG
These advancements build upon Tata’s successful implementation of similar technology in their Altroz and Punch CNG models.
Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, highlighted the Nexon’s growing popularity: “With over 700,000 units sold in seven years, the Nexon’s success is a testament to our strategy of continuous innovation and timely technological upgrades.”
Market Position and Competition:
The Nexon, first introduced in 2017 as a compact crossover SUV, now faces competition in the CNG segment from rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG etc. This launch aligns with Tata Motors’ expectation that CNG vehicle sales will outpace electric vehicle growth in the near term.
CNG Market Outlook:
CNG-powered vehicles accounted for 16% of Tata Motors’ sales in FY2024. P.B. Balaji, Group CFO of Tata Motors, stated in May, “We anticipate CNG to grow faster than EVs, given our upcoming product launches.”
The CNG market is poised for further expansion as city gas distribution companies extend their infrastructure to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Currently, the top CNG car markets contribute to major share of total CNG sales, with Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi accounting fo CNG car sales. Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana follow as emerging markets.
Nexon EV Updates:
Alongside the iCNG launch, Tata Motors has introduced enhancements to the Nexon EV range:
- A new 45 kWh battery pack, increasing the real-world range to approximately 350-370 km
- The introduction of a Red Dark edition for the Nexon EV model
These updates across the Nexon lineup demonstrate Tata Motors’ commitment to innovation and meeting diverse consumer needs in the rapidly evolving Indian automotive market.
As the automotive industry continues to transition towards cleaner energy solutions, Tata Motors’ multi-powertrain strategy positions the company to capitalize on various market segments while offering consumers a wide range of environmentally friendly options.
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