India - Tata Motors has started making its Harrier SUV on a new assembly line in Chakan - a town situated in the northern part of Pune. This comes ahead of the market launch of the model in early 2019.
"We have been receiving a tremendous response from the customers ever since we opened bookings of the Harrier, a fortnight ago," commented Mayank Pareek, president, passenger vehicle business unit, Tata Motors. "With the all- new assembly line ready and the roll out of the 1st Harrier, we are now gearing up to start deliveries in early 2019. The Harrier, with its stunning design will definitely appeal to customers, especially those who have eagerly waited for the product since its showcase as the H5X concept at the Auto Expo 2018. We are confident that the Harrier will set new benchmarks in the SUV segment."
The OEM first revealed plans to build the new assembly line back in July 2018, and has now said that its completion has been achieved in 'a record time of six months'. It uses manufacturing practices championed by Jaguar Land Rover - Tata's UK-based subsidiary - and includes over 100 robots supplied by Kuka and ABB. The line was specifically designed to allow Tata to make vehicles that are based on the company's Omega-ARC platform architecture, which was derived from the underpinnings of the Land Rover Discovery Sport.
News of Harrier production amidst rising sales for Tata in India. The company is aiming to bolster these by increasing output at plants such as Sanand, which is located an hour West of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat. The facility is currently running at 100% capacity and produces three models – Tiago, Tigor and Nano – as well as several engines.
Tata revealed its 'Turnaround 2.0' strategy back in June 2018. It included plans to introduce revamped vehicle platforms, such as Omega-ARC, as well as a target of increasing local market share from 60% to 95% by 2020.
