Tata's new Advanced Modular Product (AMP) platform will play a major role in the automaker's plot to revive its ailing passenger vehicle business.
In simple terms, the AMP is for Tata what MQB is for VW. Having a common architecture for multiple products has huge benefits like economies of scale, flexibility and low production cost.
The design and development of a modular platform from the scratch will be expensive and time consuming but once in place, it will reduce development time and cost of new products based on it.
Economic Times reports that Tata Motors is currently developing at least four new products based on AMP while at least four more products are under consideration. The flexible platform is Tata Motors' trump card to reel back the market share it has lost in the recent years to new players.
The four products in the pipeline are, an entry level hatchback codenamed X4-31, a premium hatchback codenamed X4-51, a sub-four metre sedan codenamed X4-52 and a compact MPV.
In addition to these four products, an EcoSport rivaling compact SUV and a Bolero rivaling UV are also reportedly under consideration. AMP models are part of Tata's HorizonNext strategy that involves multiple new product launches in the coming years.
Economic Times further adds that the first model based on the modular platform will not come before 2015-16 and in the interim, the company will focus on products like Vista refresh, sub-four metre Manza, new hatchback based on X0 platform, etc.
It's imperative for Tata Motors to be ready with the AMP at the earliest if at all it is looking to catch up with Hyundai and Maruti.
[Source: Economic Times]
