Tata Tiago success delays launch of Kite 5 compact sedan: Report

Tata Motors gave an idea about its upcoming product launches at the Auto Expo 2016 by unveiling the Zica hatchback (later renamed Tiago), Kite 5 compact sedan, Hexa SUV and the Nexon compact SUV. The Tiago entered the market in April and the positive response received by the hatchback gave a much-needed reboot to the manufacturer. The compact sedan sibling, the Kite 5, was expected to arrive by the end of 2016 but the launch has been delayed. Emerging reports indicate that the overwhelming response to the Tiago is the prime reason for the rescheduling of the launch of the Kite 5.

The Tiago, the first product bearing the Impact design language of the company, currently has over 50,000 bookings. It has been registering between 4,000 and 5,000 unit sales every month. Tiago is manufactured at Tata's Sanand facility, and the top priority for the company before the launch of the Kite 5 is to clear the bookings for the Tiago.

"Yes, the Kite 5 is an interesting product. Right now, our focus is on reducing the waiting period for Tiago," Girish Wagh, senior vice president – program planning & program management, passenger vehicles, at Tata Motors, told IndianAutosBlog. "We've received over 50,000 bookings so the priority is to get the cars to customers. The Kite 5 will also be manufactured at the Sanand plant. At present, Tiago is our focus. I think we're making around 4,000-4,500 units of Tiago every month and there is a plan to increase production." 

Reports indicate that the launch of Kite 5 compact sedan can be expected by the end of this financial year. In the meantime, the company will launch the Hexa premium SUV. The flagship model is expected to enter the market in January 2017.