Tata Daewoo Mobility launches the urban mid-size truck 'Hi-Cent', aiming to surpass competitors and carve out a niche market

*This content was translated by AI.

Tata Daewoo Mobility held a press conference for the new mid-size truck, Hi-Cent, at its headquarters in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, on the 22nd. Company officials, including Kim Tae-sung, Director of Tata Daewoo Mo Bil-ri-ti (CEO), were all present at the event.

The Tata Daewoo Mobility Hi-Cent is a mid-size truck slightly larger than a sub-mid-size model, designed to target the niche market for general commercial vehicles in urban areas. It is a model that adjusts the size of large-class trucks to a mid-size category, extending its utility as a garbage truck and other general commercial trucks. Additionally, with the launch of the Hi-Cent, Tata Daewoo Mobility has now completed the full 'Cent' series lineup, which includes the De-Cent launched in 2020, followed by the Mac-Cent and Goo-Cent.

The Tata Daewoo Mobility Hi-Cent offers two cab designs: day cab and sleeper cab. The powertrain is available in two options: HDI diesel engine and Cummins F4.5 diesel engine, paired respectively with an 8-speed AT from ZF and a 9-speed AT from Allison. The two configurations deliver a maximum output of 240 PS with peak torque of 90 kgf·m, and 235 PS with peak torque of 86 kgf·m. The commercial vehicle market remains largely dominated by internal combustion engines, so diesel engines continue to be the mainstay.

As a new model, both exterior and interior designs have been completely revamped. Improvements have also been made based on a comprehensive review of existing consumer complaints regarding the braking system, among other areas. Most notably, convenience has been enhanced in the interior, and the availability of both day cab and sleeper cab configurations reflects the all-weather versatility of mid-size trucks. According to the company, to improve user convenience, the interior layout has been upgraded, instrument panel visibility has been improved, and air suspension seats have been further enhanced compared to previous models. Additionally, the design incorporates a diamond-pattern dashboard panel, smart button start, a full digital meter cluster, and a 10.25-inch large-screen AVN system.

A company representative explained recent trends in the truck sector in connection with the Hi-Cent launch, which also reflects the background behind the new model. The representative noted that the Hi-Cent precisely meets the niche demand for general mid-size trucks, particularly those without auxiliary axles, estimating this segment accounts for 32% of the total mid-size truck market demand. The Hi-Cent is positioned to leverage this demand forecast to enhance user convenience. The company also added that when expanding into overseas markets, this niche segment will serve as a latent force capable of responding to major markets.

Reflecting its status as a mobility group, the company also presented improvement solutions such as the SunLink system for connected car services, which enables remote vehicle management via mobile devices. The company announced that it plans to expand its product portfolio starting with the Hi-Cent launch. In particular, it has committed to pursuing a next-generation roadmap through electrification, and during the factory tour, it revealed the research and development process for actual electrified models.

Meanwhile, Kim Tae-sung, Director of Tata Daewoo Mobility, stated, "The Hi-Cent is a key model that will firmly reshape the company's future direction, based on performance, size, and price satisfaction levels not found in existing vehicle classes." He added, "With an automatic transmission model not available in competing vehicle classes, the Hi-Cent will offer clear differentiation in consumers' choices."

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*This content was translated by AI.