India's Tata Motors launches "Nano"

Ratan Tata, while unveiling the Nano, said: The car will meet all current safety norms and all emission criteria. The pollution it will cause will be lower than 2 wheelers. The car, he said, is smaller than a Maruti 800, but has 21 per cent more volume or space inside than the 800. He said that the dealer price of the car will be Rs 1 lakh, plus value added tax VAT plus transport charges. The car's dashboard features just a speedometer, fuel gauge, and oil light. The car does not have reclining seats or radio. The shock absorbers are basic. It will sport a 30 litre fuel tank and 4 speed manual gearshift. One of Nano's three versions will come with air conditioning, but will have no power steering. It will have front disk and rear drum brakes. The company claims mileage of 23 km per litre. The Nano, designed with a family in mind, has a roomy passenger compartment with generous leg space and head room. It can comfortably seat four persons. Four doors with high seating position make ingress and egress easy. Yet with a length of 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, with adequate ground clearance, it can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areasIts mono volume design, with wheels at the corners and the powertrain at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and manoeuvrability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars. When launched, the car will be available in three versions. All versions will offer a wide range of body colours, and other accessories so that the car can be customised to an individual's preferences. Nano has a rear wheel drive, all aluminium, two cylinder, 624 cc, 33 bhp, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system. Nano's safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements. With an all sheet metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tubeless tyres further enhance safety. Tata's one lakh car Nano: Western media on overdrive : The whole buzz that the Tata one lakh car Nano may face problems in attracting buyers in the Western world may not be correct. The people's car, Nano, has far exceeded the expectations of the foreign media and mediapersons ET spoke to. They believe it would make automobile history. Though many of them failed to get a closer look at the car that was launched by Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata at the Auto Expo on Thursday, they feel that it would attract a lot of foreign buyers as it's cheap, happening and smart. "It's a winner. It's a significant step by the Tata Group in technology advancement and performance. It would do well in the European and North American markets because of its cute looks and low price. The car stands out due to its classic clean lines," says Jesse Snyder, executive editor, Automotive News Europe, a Germany based journal. Overseas mediapersons feel it's a revolution in motoring world. "It's astonishing what the Tatas have achieved for one lakh. Nano looks fantastic and sounds promising. Small family people would go for this as it's compact and safe," says UK based Car Magazine international editor John Sootheran. It's far better than what I expected," says US based NewsWeek Magazine reporter Jason Overdorf. "It's a world class innovation that has come from India. People residing in large cities of Europe and also in the developing countries would buy this car as it's affordable," he added. Foreign mediapersons believe that Nano has the ability to compete with motorcycles as it has a distinctive look and is instantly recognisable. Since Nano is expected to replace many two wheelers once it's in the market, some observers feared that this would enhance emissions and traffic congestions on the Indian roads. Countering this, Mr Tata repeatedly emphasised that Nano would be a proper car with world class safety standards. "I assure that people can have a sound sleep now barring the misconception that Nano would lead to extra emissions," said Mr Tata. It was when Mr Tata announced the price that foreign journalists cheered, with whoops and calls of 'who whoo whoo'. Explained one: "This will put the Japanese who have cocked a snook at all of us, US and European car makers in their place!" Added a Delhi based international news agency reporter: "My budget in Canada for a car was usually C$600, for which I could always only get a second hand car! This is certainly within my budget." "It's a cute, nice looking car and I would like to drive it," she said, adding: "This is an indication of an Indian CEO taking his leadership seriously and acting on it." This was in reference to the car being more environment friendly. Said another: "This will create a whole new segment for cars and engineering." The German journalist photographer duo, whose publication is running a comparison between the Detroit Auto Show with the desi event, were overwhelmed by the numbers, crowds and the whole emotional atmosphere. "No, we have never seen anything like this," the photographer said, before clambering onto a chair to shoot her pictures.

Rahul.G.Mehta

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