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Tata Motors Ltd ,
India’s top vehicle maker, unveiled its low-cost small car named the ‘Nano’ which is set to hit the market this year.
Now I know it’s not sporty really, but when you stop to consider the cost of fuel these days, and the rising costs in insurance these things may be more popular on the roads than you might think. I know folks around my parts are big on saving money, and living in a city you don’t really need a fast sports car.
Tata has been building hype for a car that would cost a mere 100,000 rupees (roughly $2,500) and bring automotive transportation to the mainstream Indian population. It has been nicknamed the “People’s Car.” Over the course of the New Delhi Auto Expo, which began this week, anticipation had grown to fever pitch.
The four-door Nano is a little over 10 feet long and nearly 5 feet wide. It is powered by a 623cc two-cylinder engine at the back of the car. With 33 horsepower, the Nano is capable of 65 miles an hour. Its four small wheels are at the absolute corners of the car to improve handling. There is a small trunk, big enough for a duffel bag.It’s expected to get around 20Km/liter, not sure how fast it will go, but how fast does one need to go in a congested city anyway? I can only see the price of the car anyway. It’s affordable for people to get their first cars now.
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India is a vast country and most parts of it does not have the luxury of favorable climate. The masses have to bear heat that can be at 50 degree Celsius during summer and bear cold that can go below zero in the northern parts of India. And when it rains it just pours. Just imagine millions of people traveling in these conditions in a bicycle or a motor cycle or in city buses which leak everywhere. Its painful and you have to give it to the strength of the people to endure such challenges.
Against this backdrop just imagine what an affordable car can do. Even though not all of the lower income population can still afford a 100,000 rupees car but I think at least 30-40% of them can trade their motor cylcle for a Nano.
Its definitely a boon!!
There were lots of skepticism from various section of people -
Suzuki’s boss said
a 100,000 Rs car cannot be made without compromising on safety and pollution, some well-intended people said Indian roads are not ready for it so focus should be on improving the infrastructure first.
I believe that you cannot kill innovation just because the roads are not ready. Instead the focus should be on developing the infrastructure irrespective of cribbing that a small car can lead to congestion of Indian roads. Infrastructure is the blood stream of an economy, its a MUST which should be developed at all costs - with or without a Nano. Perhaps, Nano made people realize how pathetic the infrastructure is.
Hope the government and industries focus their attention on this problem before a Nano brings the indian roads to a standstill.
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