Tata Motors is targeting a bigger pie of the C segment sedan market in the country’s automotive sector where it currently commands over 25 per cent share.

The current share is estimated at about 4,200 cars a month, plus that of the venture partner Fiat India, of the market of 18,000 to 20,000 sold by all carmakers in the country.

The Senior Vice-President Tata Motors, Mr S. Krishnan, said, “The launch of Tata Manza petrol and diesel variants has received enthusiastic response within a short period. We expect this to boost our sales numbers by next quarter.”

Speaking to newspersons after the launch of Manza cars in Andhra Pradesh, Mr Krishnan said that the first-half of the current fiscal has shown very positive vehicle sales trend. The last two months of August and September witnessed significant jump in sales. The new models would add to this numbers.

The trends in the market point towards a continued buoyancy in the automotive industry. The launch of nearly five models between Tata Motors and its joint venture partner Fiat, in the last 12 months has created excitement among new car buyers.

With a rationalised portfolio of Tata Indigo range of sedans and the addition of the Manza variants, the company currently offers cars in the C segment ranging from Rs 3.73 lakh to Rs 6.75 lakh ex-showroom.

Within sedans wherever there are diesel offerings, the trend points towards increasing preference for diesel cars, which are both fuel efficient and are much more refined than the earlier generation diesel cars, Mr Krishnan said.

Asked about recent concerns of some customers with regard to the Nano cars, Mr Krishnan said that issues relating to wiring have been sorted out. The issue was blown out of proportion