Construction World June 2019

In South Africa’s truck market, the Tata brand is perceived to punch well above its weight – and no model more so than the recently launched Ultra, which competes in the 4,5- to 5,5-ton segment. Exceptional total COST OF OWNERSHIP

Ultra safety In developing the Ultra, Tata spared no effort in ensuring that the truck meets Europe’s top safety norms. The state of the art, full airbrake system includes ABS, helping to shorten braking distance – especially in the wet – and increasing the driver’s ability to control the vehicle in emergency stops. Fatigue-reducing power steering has been honed for precision as well as nimble responsiveness, while the new generation headlights not only provide better illumination at night but also help to make the truck more visible on the road – a feature emulated at the rear, where integrated, high-intensity LED tail lamps make the back of the vehicle 40% more discernible. Ultra engineering

D escribed by Harneet Luther, CEO of Tata Automobile Company South Africa, as the rational choice for discerning truck owners, the Ultra line-up consists of well-chosen business utility vehicles that, following extensive local trials that lasted for more than a year with some South African transport operators. The Ultra is also the first truck in this sector of the market to offer a two year/120 000 km service plan. This together with the aerodynamic advantages, as well as modern fuel-efficient common rail diesel engine and longer than usual service intervals, makes the Ultra a class leader in running costs. Assembled at Rosslyn, near Pretoria, from knocked down kits imported from its parent company in India, derivatives in the Ultra range are billed as efficient and economical utilities that have been fashioned to drive profitability for their owners, test builds were done over the last year to ensure optimum manufacturing quality. “They are versatile and comfortable, featuring aerodynamic styling that not only makes them look great, but which reinforces the view that they are ultra-modern and ultra-competitive,” said Luther. Ultra style Among the Ultra’s attributes is a walk-through cab – styled by Italian design studio Bertone – that, with a width of 2,2 metres, sets the benchmark for the class. While the wide cabin and chassis facilitates an equally wide cargo deck – helping to extend volumetric capacity by up to 20% – it offers other benefits, too, including higher load-bearing capability over the vehicle’s front axle, a lower centre of gravity and, since cab and load body line up, smoother airflow along the flanks. Stylish and elegant, the cabin – which accommodates three people – has been crafted for comfort: Multi-way, adjustable seats boast mechanical suspension; the ergonomically hewn gear lever is dashboard-mounted to reduce driver fatigue; the tilt-adjustable steering column can also be varied for reach; air-conditioning and an audio system are standard features; and the wide, panoramic windscreen offers excellent front visibility and better line of sight.

Two derivatives make up the Ultra range – the Ultra 814 and the longer, extended wheelbase Ultra 1014, the latter engineered to carry a six-ton payload and introduced to South Africa specifically for customers who need to move high volumes of cargo without having to resort to an aftermarket modification. Ultra performance Each of the vehicles is powered by Tata’s next generation, 3,0-litre common rail diesel plant – a unit which is lighter and more compact than its predecessor, and far more fuel efficient, too. Producing 104 kW and 390 Nm, the engine has been designed for reliability and durability, ensuring maximum uptime and reducing maintenance costs. The engine is coupled to Tata’s G550-OD transmission, a state- of-the-art, six-speed, manual-shift gearbox which provides fast, easy and smooth cog-swapping aided by pneumatic power assistance to reduce clutch pedal effort for the driver. The gearbox has been designed to offer torque capacity of 550Nm and utilises a cable shift mechanism with a view to increasing longevity. Ultra value Each of the models is sold with a two-year unlimited warranty, 24/7 roadside assistance and, unique in the sector, a two-year, 120 000 km service plan – which means free servicing in the first years of ownership. “Low ownership and running costs, futuristic styling, unmatched comfort and true versatility make the Ultra more than a truck – in our view it represents the ultimate business machine, the rational choice in a competitive market,” says Harneet Luther, CEO of Tata Automobile Company. With 91 touch points established in Southern Africa to provide aftersales support the brand is on the march locally. “Our main theme is that we’re all about uptime,” says Luther. “Our vision is of customer centricity. We have been in South Africa for more than 20 years and we understand the local market.” 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD JUNE 2019