Fast forward

It denotes the design direction of the future. The Tata Megapixel made its debut at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show 2012. Described as a "new four-seater city-smart global range extended electric vehicle (REEV),” the Megapixel has a lithium ion phosphate battery and an on-board petrol engine generator for recharging on the move, states a press release from Tata Motors. It can go up to 900 km with a single tank of fuel. It has a CO2 emission of only 22gm/km and a fuel economy of 100 km/liter (under battery only power). Top Tata executives, including chairman Ratan Tata and chairman designate Cyrus Mistry, were present at the unveiling on March 6, 2012 at the Palexpo, Geneva’s convention center.

Facing page (clockwise from top left): Ratan Tata, Farrokh Kavarana, Percy Siganporia and Jimmy Bilimoria;

"The Megapixel, developed by our design centers in India, the UK and Italy, is our idea of a city car for discerning motorists in any megacity of the world. It is a result of the progress we have made on the Tata Pixel displayed last year (at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show),” stated Prakash Telang, managing director — India operations. The company has taken the "zero turn” drive system of the Pixel a notch tighter in terms of maneuverability. The Megapixel’s electric drive has four independent electric motors, one at each wheel. While parking, the electric hub motors drive the wheels in opposite directions, the front wheels being turned at an acute angle, enabling a tight 2.8 m turning radius! The at-home charging system entails simply parking the car over the induction pad!

Being a concept car, Ratan Tata indicated that it would take around three years to develop the car commercially. Tata Motors, India’s largest automobile company, had consolidated revenues of Rs 1,23,133 crore ($27 billion) in 2010-11, as per company sources.

At the Geneva Motor Show with the Megapixel: (l to r) Ratan Tata, Cyrus Mistry, Ravi Kant, Prakash Telang and Dr Timothy Leverton

For the common man

Tata Water Plus, launched in February 2012, is reportedly India’s first nutrient water. "It looks and tastes like normal water but with the added goodness of nutrients that are bio-available. In its launch phase, Tata Water Plus will be available in two variants — zinc and chromium. These elements are known to strengthen immunity and improve overall health respectively,” states an announcement from Tata Global Beverages. The product is launched by NourishCo — a joint venture (JV) between Tata Global Beverages and PepsiCo India. It will be introduced first in Tamil Nadu, covering 20 towns — Coimbatore, Salem, Madurai, etc. Priced at Rs 16 for a 750 ml PET bottle, Tata Water Plus "represents the larger mission of mitigating nutritional gaps in the average Indian,” states the company which has Ratan Tata as chairman and Farrokh Kavarana (who is also on the Tata Sons board), Jimmy Bilimoria and Percy Siganporia among its many directors. Siganporia is also acting CEO (chief executive officer).

In January this year Tata Global Beverages had announced a JV with Starbucks Coffee Company to open Starbucks Cafes throughout India. The 50/50 JV is called Tata Starbucks Limited and it will own and operate the cafés under the brand name Starbucks Coffee "A Tata Alliance.” The first outlets are expected to be up and running by September.