The Tata Nano Challenge Mileage Rally 2016 was flagged off from Colombo with the objective of raising customer awareness and highlighting the Tata Nano as one of the most fuel efficient passenger cars in Sri Lanka.
Nearly one hundred Tata Nano owners from across the island took part in the rally which started off from the DIMO Head Office and covered close to 100km through the towns of Kiribathgoda, Siyambalape, Gampaha, Udugampola and Divulapitiya, before arriving at the finish line in Negombo.
Several hundred applications were received for the rally, from which close to 100 Tata Nano cars were carefully selected, based on pre-determined criteria and were given free inspections to ensure their readiness for the rally.
During the rally, the participants were provided with a time chart, route map and riding tips, which had to be followed to reach the final destination.
‘Top-up to top-up’ method was used to calculate the fuel efficiency, a method which ensured accurate measurement of the fuel consumed by each vehicle and the mileage achieved.
Ms. Ranika Sulakshani from Nugegoda was the overall winner as she recorded an impressive 36.88km/l in her Nano, and won an all-expenses paid tour to India with a visit to the Tata Motors plant for her outstanding driving efforts.
Mr R. A. Upali Kithsiri from Colombo 12 who recorded 36.73 km/l was placed second and won a 2-night stay at a 5-star hotel while Mr T.B.G. Soysa from Angoda, recorded 33.9 km/l bagged third place and was rewarded with a dinner for 4 at a 5-star hotel.
Prizes were also given out for the Tata Nano with the “Highest Mileage”, “Best Modified/Accessorized car”, “Best Maintained car” and “Highest Number of Services done at DIMO”.
All drivers received consolation prizes and certificates of participation.
“I am thrilled to win the 1st place in this unique motor rally,” said Ms Ranika Sulakshani the first-place winner.
“The Tata Nano is the most fuel efficient car I have driven in my life and has really helped to reduce the travelling costs of my family drastically.
Furthermore Tata Nano enables me to drive with my family comfortably and safely.
The award ceremony to hand over prizes to the winners was held at Jetwing Blue and was attended by several representatives of DIMO and Tata Motors including Ranjith Pandithage (Chairman & Managing Director, DIMO), Vijitha Bandara (Director, DIMO), Mahesh Karunaratne (General Manager, Tata Vehicle Service Division, DIMO), Navin Seneviratne (General Manager – Tata Vehicle Parts Division) and Anura Wijesinghe (DGM, Tata Passenger Cars, DIMO) together with Sujan Roy (Head of Marketing Services (International Business- Passenger Cars) & Regional Head (South Asia), Randhir Choudhary (Area Customer Support Manager - Passenger Vehicles (International Business) and Pranaw Kumar (Area Manager - Passenger Vehicles (International Business) from Tata Motors.
Ranjith Pandithage- Chairman & Managing Director of DIMO stated, “We congratulate the winners and are delighted by the great participation in the rally.
We remain committed to providing the best customer value through fuel-efficient cars and Tata Nano has consistently offered high fuel efficiency with ample space for the whole family.
DIMO’s excellent after sales service and our island-wide presence allows us to take care of Tata customers and their vehicles 24 hours a day, especially with two dedicated workshop facilities at Ratmalana and Colombo 14.”
Commenting about the success of the rally, Vijitha Bandara (Director, DIMO) stated, “We are thrilled to see a tremendous response from the Tata Nano owners in Sri Lanka.
It must be noted that our island-wide network for service facilities, equipped with advanced technology and professional technicians who provide world-class service to all Tata owners, have all been instrumental in providing top-quality maintenance to the Tata Nano cars.
Meanwhile, the exceptional results achieved by all the drivers demonstrate how fuel efficient the Nano is.”
Sujan Roy - Head of Marketing Services (International Business - Passenger Cars) & Regional Head (South Asia) Tata Motors Limited stated, “The enthusiastic response to the rally proves the popularity of the car and the great mileage results amply demonstrate the high fuel efficiency of the car.
We, at Tata Motors, are continuously looking at ways to enhance our product offerings for our valued customers.”
Launched in Sri Lanka in 2011, Tata Nano has continued to lead the way as one of the most fuel efficient petrol cars in Sri Lanka.
The latest edition of the compact hatch, GenXNano, is the most stylish Nano yet with GenX Design such as infinity motif grille coupled with stylish first in segment colour themes.
It also includes GenX Comfort features such as ePAS Electronic Power Assisted Steering and Quick Chill A/C, GenX Safety features including advanced structural stability and crumple zone together with comfort for its passengers.
The partnership between DIMO and Tata Motors is in its 55th year.
DIMO also offers the Tata Bolt, Tata Zest, Tata Aria and the Tata Safari Storme passenger vehicles in Sri Lanka.
Furthermore, Tata GenXNano Automatic version and the Tata Tiago will be introduced to Sri Lanka in the future.
DIMO also markets a wide range of Tata commercial and off-road vehicles that includes small commercial vehicles, single cabs, double cabs, buses and trucks.
DIMO’s network in key strategic locations of Sri Lanka is aimed at facilitating loyal Tata customers’ sales, service and spare parts requirements while the 24-hour roadside assistance enable valued customers’ peace of mind driving.
