Tata launches more fuel-efficient Ace

Indian carmaker Tata Motors Ltd. announced that it has developed new technology that it says will raise the fuel efficiency of its vehicles. The stop-start technology, which it developed in-house for more than a year, is featured in the new Ace mini-truck that was launched early this year in Kolkata. The electronically controlled unit (ECU) of the new Ace model is programmed so that if the engine is idle after 10 seconds, it will automatically switch off. The new Ace model, which is priced at close to Rs303,000 (US$6,114.42), is equipped with a 5-speed transmission and a larger 13-inch tire, thus allowing the vehicle to acquire higher speeds with better ground clearance. (May 13, 2009)