Tata-Marcopolo Motors Ltd has began commercial production of high-tech buses at its Dharwad plant in north Karnataka, the auto major said on Wednesday.
The joint venture between Pune-based Tata Motors and Marcopolo of Brazil was formed to roll out a range of world-class intra-city and inter-city buses from the Rs.2-billion (Rs.200 crore) plant, with an installed capacity of 30,000 units per annum, the company said in a statement from Mumbai.
The 123-acre plant at Dharwad, about 400 km from here, will meet India's growing need for fully built buses for intra-city and inter-city transportation with international standard comfort, quality and safety, it noted.
The range, to be marketed under 'Starbus' and 'Globus' brands, includes 16- to 54-seater standard buses, 18- and 45-seater luxury buses, luxury coaches and low-floor city buses.
In fiscal 2009-10, the first full year of operation, production will be up to 15,000 units. The plant, at full capacity, will generate about 6,500 direct jobs. It will be supported by a vendor park.