ata Motors believes it has a champion in the stable. Last month, the company launched Ace, a new mini truck, positioned as a last mile distribution vehicle, targeted at the sub-one tonne payload segment. The Ace is being touted as the answer to the distribution and transport worries of small factories, farmers and shops.

"Road infrastructure projects will provide a massive network that would demand different vehicles for specific transportation needs. Heavier vehicles will operate between hubs while small vehicles or the mini trucks will be the ones that carry the goods to the end consumer. This is where Ace will play an active role," says UT Ramprasad, head, marketing communication, commercial vehicles business unit (CVBU), Tata Motors. Ace is targeting a category that, at present, is serviced by three wheelers.... more