Tata may export Zest to Asian and African mkts

Tata Motors on Wednesday said it has plans to export its new car 'Zest' to Asian and African markets.

Zest, was launched in Kerala market on Wednesday with the base petrol variant starting at Rs 4.80 lakh and diesel at Rs 5.85 lakh (ex-showroom kochi), a day after the national launch in Mumbai.

There are plans to export to Asian and African markets," but present focus would be on the domestic market, John O' Cooner, Vehicle Line Director (Passenger Vehicles) of Tata Motors, told reporters here. The company also has presence in European countries.

The company was targeting young professionals and people moving from hatch to sedan, he said.

Tata Motors is very optimistic about the response to the new vehicle, Ashesh Dhar, National Sales Head- South and East, Passenger Vehicles Business unit, said.

"We have sufficient production capacities at two of our facilities, including Pune. We can increase capacity, if needed. We are expecting an overwhelming response for the new car", he said. Sales targets for the country and Kerala were, however, not revealed.

During the last four months, car sales has seen a four per cent growth across the country.

Tata Motors enjoys six per cent market share nationally and with the launch of new car it is expected to go up further, he said.

'Bolt' is the next vehicle from Tata Motors stable, he added.