Spied - Tata Xenon spotted in China

14/06/2014 - 10:59 | ,  ,   | Anjan Ravi

The Tata Xenon pickup truck was spotted in China recently, where the local media report a launch could take place with Chery Motors (JLR's local partner) as a joint venture partner (foreign manufacturers need a local JV with a Chinese automobile company in order to sell cars in China). We advise readers to take this claim with a pinch of salt.

Tata Xenon spied in China
The Tata Xenon was spied in China ahead of a possible launch by Chery Motors.

The Xenon spotted here is the dual-cab variant likely powered by a diesel engine. The engine, could be the same 3.0-liter DICOR unit producing 112 hp and 300 Nm of torque on the Indian model. The Indian variant uses a 5-speed gearbox and distributes power to all wheels.

However, petrol is preferred over diesel in China, in which case Tata can offer the pickup with the 2.1-liter four-cylinder MPFI engine which produces 131 hp and 195 Nm of torque and comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Xenon petrol is sold in markets like United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, South Africa and Iraq.

Tata Xenon spied in China side
The Tata Xenon in China could be offered with a petrol engine.

Deteriorating domestic sales (Tata's domestic passenger car sales fell 36 percent in April 2014 compared to April 2013) has led to the idea of intensive exports. In the recent past, Tata has been entering plenty of new markets such as Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Algeria, etc with the Xenon and other products which is why the Chinese foray cannot be ruled out altogether.

[Images from Auto Sohu]

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