Tata Motors’ Safari Storme 4X4 replaces the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy as the new lightweight four-wheel drive carrier of the Indian Army. Today, Tata Motors announced that the company has signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence to supply 3,192 units of the Safari Storme 4X4, which will be inducted into the Indian Army under a new category called GS800 or General Service 800. The Indian Army was on the lookout for a new 4X4 vehicle which would fulfil three basic criteria like minimum payload capacity of 800 kg, hard roof and air-conditioning. For this the Safari Storme 4X4 underwent extensive testing in some of the most inhospitable terrain the Army operates in. After more than a year of testing, the Safari was deemed fit enough to be inducted into service, hence the order for 3,192 units.
Tata Motors is the top defence supplier in the country and with this new order, the company further strengthens its position as the number one choice for the Indian Army.
On this occasion, Vernon Noronha, Vice President, Defence & Government Business, Tata Motors Limited said, “We are very proud to have received this prestigious order for over 3000 units of the Safari Storme under the newly formed GS800 category. Tata Motors has been a leading supplier of mobility solutions to the Indian Armed Forces and this order is a testimony to our partnership with the country’s security forces. This variant of the Storme has been modified from the one available for civilians with an upgraded drivetrain and significantly modified suspension. The Safari Storme was conceived and designed keeping in mind the need for a rugged, comfortable and reliable vehicle, making it popular with law enforcement agencies. We will shortly commence delivery of these vehicles for the Army and Navy in a phased manner.”
