Tata Motors is all set to officially re-enter the South African passenger car market this August 19, which will mark a return after a gap of six years. The brand, however, was present in the commercial vehicle space at that time.
- The brand’s exports to South Africa have been closed since 2019
- Tata currently exports to Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Mauritius
The company has appointed an exclusive distributor, Motus Holdings Ltd, which is expected to offer most, if not its entire product portfolio. The teaser shared shows the Punch, Harrier, Curvv and Tiago.
Tata Indica, Safari previously exported to South Africa
Exports as well as the South African passenger car market are not new to Tata Motors, with the brand having entered South Africa as far back as 2004 with the Indica and Indigo. It had since marketed its other products like the Vista, Safari and Aria. The company also had active businesses in many international markets like Spain and Italy; however, its products were not able to sustain a business and operations in these markets slowly wound up, with South Africa closing in 2019.
New-gen models and EVs hold renewed export potential
The return signals a renewed interest in global markets for Tata Motors. Currently, the brand only exports to a handful of neighbouring markets like Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. With its new range of products, which have made good progress since earlier generation models and its wide EV portfolio, Tata Motors is on a better footing to tap into export markets. This offers the brand further volume potential, though it will need to make sure it does not lose focus on its home market, where competitors have been gaining rapid ground.
Mahindra is a well-established player in South Africa
Incidentally, its return to South Africa will see it go up against its fellow countryman, Mahindra, who are already well established in the country. In April this year, Mahindra said it had sold its highest ever volume with 2,253 vehicles delivered, marking that as the fastest growing brand and moving it into the eighth spot in South Africa. It will thus be interesting to see how the two Indian automotive giants, who are in a close battle for 3rd and 4th spot on home soil, square off in a foreign land.
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Mahindra Vision S SUV concept revealed
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