ention the words �Tata Sumo�, and the picture that the mind invariably conjures up is that of this rather boxy, yet distinctly roomy utility vehicle bearing down the road, a red �T� (implying tourist taxi) marked on its sides. Yes, many of us have also seen plenty of Sumos plying city roads without that telltale �T� sign on the side. But it is almost impossible to dissociate the vehicle from its image of a hardy and spacious commercial vehicle (or people mover, as the purists would insist on calling it) that ferries people between point A and point B. The Sumo, for all practical purposes, leads a hyphenated existence with the phrases �taxi and tour operator� and �space�. Sixty per cent of the Sumo�s sales come from the commercial segment. In fact, �Sumo karke jaayenge� is a common refrain whenever any largish group of individuals lays out its
travel plans.
... more