Tata Motors 'Nano' car

13th January 2008

Tata Motors ‘Nano’ car

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January 10 2008, Tata Motors unveils the worlds most affordable car at India’s main auto show. The ‘Nano’ sells for $2500.00 and is set to change the way the people of India get around.

During India’s main auto show on Thursday January 10, Tata chairman Ratan Tata drove a white four door Nano onto a stage with his head nearly hitting the roof, say journalists.

The world’s cheapest car sells for around $2500.00 and is only available in India at the moment but there are plans for exporting this new ‘peoples car’.

The Nano has a snub nose, sloping roof and seats for five people at a squeeze. The basic version is short on extras as you would expect. There is no airbags, no radio, no passenger side mirror and only one windscreen wiper. If you like air conditioning you will need to step up to the ‘deluxe’ model.

The Tata Nano packs a rear mounted 624cc engine that produces 33 horsepower. With the engine mated to a four speed manual transmission the Nano achieves a claimed 50 miles per gallon or 20 kilometres per litre and a top speed of 65 miles per hour or 105 kilometres per hour. With that engine perhaps a better name would be the ‘Nana’?

Environmentalists are concerned that making a car affordable to the masses will increase pollution levels and make driving on India’s already crowded roads a nightmare. The chairman hit back saying that the Nano will pollute less than some motorcycles. No kidding, the engine is smaller than some motorcycles!

For the citizens of India the car is marketed at people that would otherwise buy a motorcycle and is promoted as all-weather transport.

Another concern is that safety has been sacrificed to keep costs down. Ratin Tata stated that the car complies with ’safety norms’, meaning that the car has passed the frontal and side collision tests in India. Looking at the car, I would certainly not like to hit anything more than a gutter in it or I think it will be ‘TaTa’ for you!

This entry was posted on Sunday, January 13th, 2008 at 1:22 am and is filed under Automotive News and Views. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

1 On January 13th, 2008, donjasjit said:

Yes you deserve to be called a monkey because you have tried to misrepresent facts.
1. The car has passed euro-4 emission standards
2. The car has passed India’s current frontal-crash safety test and since the car is to be sold mainly in India that is all that matters.
3.A top speed of 60 mph, and gives 50 miles per gallon. You don’t need more than that on Indian roads.
Whether you like it or don’t like it you will feel it’s impact. Millions will buy it and other clones inspired by it. Your precious oil will go up in price, due to so many such cars on the road it may even affect CO2 Levels.

So next time concentrate your mind a little more on facts, a little less on racist rubbish.

2 On January 13th, 2008, craig said:

Hi,
Can’t anyone take a joke these days?
I understand the car has passed euro 4 emission standards but if you read the news articles relating to the car the environmentalists are concerned that because of the price of the car more people will be able to afford them, hence more vehicles on the road.
Sure the car has passed the current Indian frontal-crash safety test and the vehicle is well suited to the roads there, what I was referring to was the plans to export the cars.
I have no doubt that millions will be sold and the cars will be well received in certain countries, but it’s not something that will be very successful on Australian roads.
Thanks for leaving your comment.

3 On January 13th, 2008, jit said:

hi all well innovation has always led the masses to make choices i thinl its all got to do with the masses in the end if ppl r gng to like it lets wait n see the raves on the car thkx to craig for raising sum pointers but then again hope u follow up with the reviews on how the car is doing both in india n internationally. thats all that matters. cheers

4 On January 14th, 2008, Michael said:

there was no reason to invole the monkey thing on this car related blog.

I must say, these aussie are racist pigs..they simply cant tolerate the sun shining outside of their backyards..u see that everywhere, in cricket, in public life…

u’ve got to learn to see the other persons viewpoint mate..

5 On January 14th, 2008, craig said:

After considerable distaste shown towards my sad sense of humor, all references to a certain recent international incident have been removed. Enjoy!

6 On January 14th, 2008, John Zara said:

I am sure that if this car was developed in any Western country, the review would have been very different and in fact the fuel efficiency and “compact” size would be highlighted in the proper sense rather being ridiculed as in your article. The fact that this was developed in India makes it an “inferior” product now, isn’t it? Also the comment “I would certainly not like to hit anything more than a gutter in it” reeks of a prejudice towards India and this comment was really unwarranted.

I am sure that you will eat your words back when this car will be the most coveted car in the third world (yes, even if this car is not accepted in Australia and the developed world it is not going to dent its financial success in any way).

I think that this article has surely been written by an “Indian-basher” without any doubt.

7 On January 14th, 2008, Pat Urban said:

I would buy one yesterday if they were available here(Canada). All this talk about safety, what safety is there in a motorcycle, a bicycle or for that matter , being a pedestrian. Choice is what is important. I, personally would choose this car and risk the rest.

8 On January 14th, 2008, craig said:

Hi Pat,
Good point and I think this is the market where the car will do extremely well, people that otherwise would be riding a motorcycle or bicycle.
It will be interesting to see how many countries approve this car for use on their roads.

9 On January 14th, 2008, K13 said:

clearly indivuals hear need to see that we are talking about an advancemnt in the automotive industry not racsim… get a grip

on to the car… yeah safety concerns are an issue would it meet aus standards but hears my question would this car be a better option even a safer option for p-plater and other owners of second hand cars which lets face it can be quite sub standard?

10 On January 14th, 2008, Saurabh said:

Western media specially australian media is always biased and carries a discriminatory bent of mind towards developing countries.
Not a single media report in australia has praised Tata’s achievement in producing Nano. However they have been whinging through out as they have always done. A bunch of convit, outclassed, thrown out Britisher’s can never possitively reflect on something beyond there capability.

11 On January 15th, 2008, Tobyone said:

I think the Nano’s a great product and I think its only a matter of time before its widely copied and reproduced. In reality its probably not a lot different when it comes to safety as some Smart car models though perhaps the eddition of airbags would be required for some export markets. Either way it has to be a step up from motorbikes in terms of safety, and it surely is a giant leap ahead when compared to an economic mentality that still produces V8 cars to a mass market.
I find the racial overtones in this blog offensive - why bring in cricket and why turn it into an ‘us and them’? I think this may really just be a case of (very) small car syndrome.

12 On January 15th, 2008, mad mal said:

im sorry to say that if you think this car would not sell well in aus then you are kidding yourself. iin my industry we had a cheep crap product come on to the market with a similar price percentage and it took 60% of the australian market in 12 months. in the second 12 months not finished yet there are now 6 similar produsts on the aus market taking an even bigger slice. not to mention that 2nd hand sales in my industry are now less that 1% what they were 2 years ago. it does matter how good or bad this car is it would sell anyway thanks to the price. you could well shit if its cheep enough.

13 On January 15th, 2008, Shamim Ehsanul Haque said:

I am writing from Bangladesh who lived in Australia for a while. As an automobile enthusiast I have been particularly keen on the developments that took place in this sector in my part of the world, which includes India. A car such as the Tata Nano would definitely be welcome in my country and some other neighboring South Asian countries. The design and purpose of the car is reminiscent of the Smart: the much lauded Swatch marries Mercedes project. It is an Indian incarnation of that idea which aspires to usher in the VW Beetle mania of the 60s, at least in that region. The design seems pretty original to me. Tata has the money to refine it gradually and add the cheekiness that is needed to market it successfully to Europe and other parts of the world where traffic congestion, gasoline prices and other lifestyle factors may make it endeared. The snub nosed car has an unpretentious disarming charm. And the very fact that it was made in India might make it an interesting vehicle to own; provided Tata gets the basics right. I disagree with those who see racial undertones in the article. Auto journalism is renowned for its sarcasm and sardonic way of looking at products. The Brits and the Aussies have been critical and harsh on their’ own makes as well. Jeremy Clarkson, the celebrated auto journalist, is charming because of his wit and sense of humor, and he achieves much of it at the expense of ridiculing some of the very cars which he features. Consumers are intelligent enough to look beyond the borders of Australia and India for that matter, and they know what is of value to them.

14 On January 15th, 2008, Vic Slovack said:

I am an American citizen & I for one applaud Ratan Tata for having the insight & ingenuity for produce a vehicle that the people of India can afford to purchase. Granted, it does’nt have all the bells & whistles that some many people have grown to rely upon but its something that is money smart for the Indian economy. I wish general motors, ford, & chrysler would have enough insight to produce an affordable economical car instead of continuing to mass produce gas guzzling dinosaurs that they cannot sell. Don;t know about you folks but I think we could stand to learn a thing or two from Mr. Tata.

15 On January 16th, 2008, pinki said:

well looking at the reviews the nano is getting i def think it would sell in any country in the world i mean who doesnt like cheap just look at the rush in the 1$ shops but its always important to remember safety first. replying to saurabh i think you of all ppl should not talk abt the aussies since u dumped ur indian girl for an aussie citizenship.

16 On January 17th, 2008, Bokonon said:

Has anybody considered comparing this car to the Renault R4?

17 On January 17th, 2008, Kay Sanders said:

Marketing is the only reason the American Cars have been successful! Some of the mundane features that have been marketed in Cars have been the Cup Holder and Tinted Glass — for which you pay an extra $5K ( more than the cost of the TATA Nano). As for quality and safety, European and Japanese Cars have been far superior.

Go India!! Any marketing the Aussies can give the Nano is worth it. For a myopic view of the world, the people DownUnder deserve an award.

18 On January 18th, 2008, Rob Thomas said:

The best reaction as far as Tata are concerned is mine: “I want one!”, I’m British, now living in Australia - and to me, it would be an ideal car. I hate spending money on cars, but in both British and Australian societies you sometimes do need your own vehicle. Why waste 1/4 of your annual income on a car when you could get one for 1/12th?

19 On January 18th, 2008, Roman said:

I really don’t see what is so ingenious about adding sides to a motorized golf cart. The karting club down the street from me will sell you a 55mph go-kart for around $800. Spoof that up a bit and you’ve got yourself a nano. As for affordability, why not just buy a used car whose engine will most likely last longer than the 625cc. The last 650cc engine I owned (on a Yamaha Mbike) lasted about 45,000km.

20 On January 18th, 2008, monish said:

yes nano is really a goodnews for indians.any one can afford a car now.
there are some disadvantage forthis,
tall people wont feel comfortable as head will touch the roof.
milege is less compared to enginepower.

to know more about nano
go to
http://www.hybridcarsonline.blogspot.com

21 On January 27th, 2008, Neale Woodward said:

Nano nano nano! Hi folks. Why am I reading this article??? Because it is interesting, because I want to find out more about this vehicle, its avaialability in AUSTRALIA. yes AUSTRALIA. WHAT IS UP WITH ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO MAKE RACIST COMMENTS??? Whichever side of the fence you are on, are you so small minded and/or paranoid that you cannot see beyond a joke to the realy important thing THE CAR!!! If you are so inflicted or if you are such a racist yourself and trying to use this article as a soap box, then please understand that normal, sensible, rational, people, which is the majority not the radical few, don’t give a stuff for your racist comments. LETS TALK ABOUT THE CAR. I want to know more. Good onya Ratan Tata!!! As a buisnessman I am sure you have assessed the echonomics of producing this vehicle and made sure you will make a profit, and why not. You have also produced a vehicle that has created a lot of interest in many countries and as word gets around in a variety of different styles of article I am sure there will be a lot more interest. I feel sure that if this vehicle was available in Australia and many many other western countries at the price this article states it would be a great success. Yes in Aus and many other countries there are big long open roads, we travel long distances and it can get bloody hot BUT we also have millions ov vehicles travelling short distances, around crouded streets in towns and cities clocking up billions of kilomiters and pouring out tons of polution from big old engines. A lot of these vehicles would be replaced by the Nano or similar cars if they were available, new for $2500 instead of the high prices that other manufacturers charge. So 1. When will it be available in Australia? 2. What price?

22 On January 30th, 2008, dial said:

I WANT ONE!

And I’m going to pimp it up with graphics and alloys!

Stick in a sick sound system and cruise Chapel St.

Bring them here please!

23 On February 10th, 2008, Eddie C said:

I will definitely buy one of these, or something similar if they land on Aussie soil.

I echo Rob Thomas point made on Jan 18th, there are far more interesting ways of spending money than on cars. Thanks to the Indians for putting some sense back into the Car Market, and giving people a very interesting choice down at the base end of the Carindustry.

24 On March 26th, 2008, Trevor McG said:

I want to be the importer of this car to Australia.
Is any one at TATA listening?
If so contact me>

25 On March 27th, 2008, theman said:

I think it is so sad that people such as Saurabh characterise all Aussies as “convict class thrown out of britian” truth is that many Indian expats make OZ their home as well as many different groups from all over the world who have benefited by Oz’s open doors and oportubnities. Open you eyes and see where the freedom is. Don’t take cheap shots. Grow up. These cars sound good.
As an ex Motor cyclist I applaud the affordability and the anti muscle car aspects of them.
its beyond cricket.
Yo Dude

26 On March 29th, 2008, Sean said:

Firstly, could everyone please stop being paranoid about racism. As far as I can see, there’s none of it here.

Right, now that’s out of the way, the car..

I think it’s good for the industry to be able to provide a new car that many people wouldn’t even need to get finance for.

However, I would much rather an older second hand car, such as the one I currently own, to this. But that’s a personal preference. I like knowing I can have full electrics, other comforts, and a decent amount of power in a RWD chassis for around the same price as this car. So what if it was made in 1984, it’s more reliable than many newer cars and in the rare case of it actually dieing, I can obtain a second hand engine for a few hundred dollars.

27 On March 30th, 2008, benedict said:

interesting! I have got the money in my hand , where is the queue? I cant afford a v6 commodore, statesman or falcon, but my wife will not see me on a bike or public transport. and she needs to go shopping without getting wet!
she would like to wait in the car with lcked doors when I am at the ATM, so isnt the top end version of NANO my saviour? Love you TATA. ben

28 On March 30th, 2008, Graeme said:

I will buy one of these the day they are released in Perth. I have a road motorcycle Honda ST1100 which I ride for fun. I also have three off road (Pit) bikes I bought on ebay for $150.00 each!! My sons enjoy riding these in the bush.

I have a highly modified HJ statesman “sleeper” for fun, and a Kia Rio that I drive to and from work. I also have an old Mini which my son loves to drive, rather than his twin turbo Skyline. I am a 50yo teacher in Perth and the thought of having a car I can use to commute in, park at the shops and not worry about other cars openeing their doors into it is very appealing. All cars I own have had the standard sound system taken out and proper ones fitted. The lack of one meand I have less to throw away. As far as small engines being unreliable. I have had many motorcycles which have lasted well over 100000Km. Rebuilds are usually simple and replacement engines easy to self install as they are light.

BRING THEM HERE

29 On March 31st, 2008, Douglas said:

I have been in the auto industry for 14 years. Toyota’s sucess started from a seed greeted with the same negativity as some people are approaching the Nano. They called them rice burners and I was shuned for selling them. I was told I am unpatriotic etc. I am a US new vehicle dealer and would love to offer the Nano at my store. It will sell like Ice water in the desert. The US public is tired of low milage expensive vehicles and this statement is based on the declining auto markets slumping sales. Give Me Nano and I will sell the hell out of it!

Douglas

30 On April 5th, 2008, jayalakshmi rao .s said:

Nano car is really good. Congratulations to Mr. Ratan Tata.
The Middle Income Group Families can able to buy Nano car for Rs.1 Lakh.
poetess s.jayalakshmi rao

31 On April 5th, 2008, jayalakshmi rao .s said:

Two wheelers demand will be less with the introduction of Tata Nano Car. It is Really a boon to Middle Income Group Families.

32 On April 20th, 2008, ramzes.ram said:

Hi, everybody! I’m Roman. I am from Russia, Khabarovsky krai. I live in not a big but a very beautiful town Komsomolsk-on-Amur. I was born and grew up there. Now I an 27. During last years the amount of Japanise cars increased greatly in our town. I myself have a car of a Japanise producer.
I work as an electrician in one automobile company. I repair South Korean buses.
But these buses are very differnt in servicing from Japanise cars such as Nissan, Toyota, Honda and so on.
During repairing this cars a lot of questions appear.
Especialy if you don’t have special equipment for testing their electronics and elecrtical devices.
I’d like to creat my own site ……

http://roman-thecarselectricity.blogspot.com

33 On April 25th, 2008, KN.Murali said:

Dear Ratan Tata
Although The Ratan Tata was bit against economic reforms etc…whether indian Industry can withstand with foreign investmenst/competations etc…today…there is no comparision with The Ratan Tatas’…capacity
& vision.I must say he is second to non in car Industry,he proved beyond Indian Industrialist.He not only took over huge groups like Landrover’s etc…to run successfully….i like Ratan as a very intelligent, innovative & successful Industrialist of the Gloge.

He is an excellent personality among Indian Industrialists as well as global reformists.

34 On June 2nd, 2008, Michael Flynn said:

Every time I go past an accident on Phuket (Thailand)roads I look to see where the motor bike ryder is lying. Usually its in a heap of blood and bone in front of a huge Toyota Hilux.

And I think….wouldn’t that person, and all of us, be better off if they were in a car, even a little car….most of the lower and middle income families kids buy a bike because they cannot afford a Japanese car. So send me 100 of these cars and I will sell them in the first week. Does anyone on this blog know how to broker an import agreement? Or been in contact with the manufacturer? I cant believe that there aren’t big automotive interests in australia desperate to get their hands on a dealership.

35 On June 8th, 2008, ed hurley said:

Goodonyer Ratan !
I think you will make millions out of this car. But the one I would rather have is the one under development . The one that runs on Compressed Air.
Bloody Marvelous. That one will please everyone (including the Greenies) except the Oil Companies, and it’s about time they were brought to heel.
Bloody Bonser.
Ed Hurley

36 On July 2nd, 2008, Jandu said:

This is the future…. I am sick and tired of seeing young people in over powered killing machines flying past me every day or large gas guzzlers with one person in it taking off from lights wasting energy and dollars only to catch up with them again at the next set of lights. India and China will be the leaders in innovation for affordable and low emission vehicles. I can also see CAT (Compressed Air Technology) being used in this type of vehicle to further improve efficiencies. Hopefully this will not be buried like so many attempts that have come before. If this was available in Australia I would be lining up along with many others…

37 On July 2nd, 2008, John said:

As an Aussie, I think these are a great option for the market segment they are aimed at. Safer that a pushbike or motorbike. I don’t see any reason why larger models cannot be developed for the family car market. Australia is 80% urbanised, so there could be significant take-up for a car like this. I would certainly buy one of these rather than walk or catch public transport when petrol inevitably becomes unaffordable/unobtainable in the not too distant future. In fact, at that point, people will be forced into them whether they want them or not.

38 On August 25th, 2008, Peter said:

It’s a pity some of you people who are writing comments here do not learn how to spell or check your spelling and grammer,as for all this racist crap, some people never miss an opportunity to bring up racism, get a life.

39 On September 24th, 2008, Phillip said: