The Tata Harrier and Safari are great SUVs that offer ample features, a comfortable cabin and a robust engine. However, the engine has remained unchanged since its introduction in the Tata Harrier in 2019. The engine was brought into the Safari in 2021. The engine featured in both of these SUVs is a 2.0-litre diesel engine from FIAT. There is a new development where Tata has taken control of the diesel engine, and the Indian brand will produce the engine itself. Let’s find out more about this new development and how it will help Tata!
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Tata Takes Control Over Fiat’s Diesel Engine!
The Tata Harrier and the Safari have been using Fiat’s 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine for quite some time now. However, both of these SUVs only had this engine to work with, while their competitors offered multiple engine options. This engine is manufactured under license from Stellantis by Fiat India Automobile Private Ltd (FIAPL). This is a joint venture between Tata Motors and Stellantis. Finally, Tata has acquired the license to produce the Fiat diesel engine. The Stellantis group still has Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
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A Tata Motors spokesperson stated: “Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) and Stellantis have entered into a License Technology Agreement in Q4 FY25. Under this agreement, TMPV has acquired a license from Stellantis, granting rights to carry out specific developments and technical changes in the FAM B 2.0-litre diesel engine for its own requirements. This license covers development/modifications to meet upcoming regulations and enables TMPV to initiate performance enhancements, leading to overall improvements in vehicle performance.”
How Will Tata Benefit From This Move?
The Safari and the Harrier SUV have faced increased competition from their rivals, which offer different powertrains. However, Tata can now modify or develop the engine itself to meet emission norms and also to alter power figures. Moreover, Tata will be able to upgrade or tweak the engine at a much lower cost. Additionally, the investment required to upgrade the existing Multijet engine is significantly less than what would be needed to develop an entirely new engine. This move enables Tata Motors to enhance the performance of its vehicles and comply with upcoming regulations more efficiently and cost-effectively.
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Before this deal, Tata had to get approval for every engine update from Stellantis, which was costly. Just making changes to the ECU could cost up to 10 million euros. During the BS6 transition, Tata could only afford one engine setup: a 168bhp version for both the Harrier and Safari. If Tata wished to offer 150bhp variant, the brand would have to pay more money to FIAPL for the development. For instance, Mahindra utilises its in-house mHawk 2.2-litre diesel engine in various states of tune for its different SUVs, including the Thar, Thar Roxx, XUV700, and Scorpio N. Now, with this new agreement, Tata can tweak the ECU as required, create new power variants, and upgrade the engine to meet emission norms without relying on or paying Stellantis.
What Else?
A Tata spokesperson has confirmed that, “It is pertinent to note that manufacturing of the engine will continue at FIAPL for both TMPV and Stellantis, and the IP of the basic engine rests with Stellantis, except for the development/modifications undertaken by TMPV, which will rest with the latter.” The Jeep Compass and the Meridian will continue to use the same engine. However, there is no official confirmation whether MG Motor India will get access to the engine that will be developed by Tata Motors.
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Tata has managed to secure licensed control of the engine, a strategic win for the company. Instead of developing a new, larger engine, Tata has acquired the familiar 2.0-litre diesel engine from Stellantis. This saves Tata a lot of time, money, and effort. This deal will also enable Tata to meet emission standards without incurring a significant investment.