Tata Nano (the world’s most inexpensive car, often compared with “people’s car in other parts of the world including Volkswagen) was announced in January 2008 Auto Expo in Delhi.
From the beginning it attracted a lot of attention.
Thanks to Trinamool Congress stance and the agitation that followed Nano rolled out of Gujarat instead of West Bengal; gain for Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and loss for Buddhadev Bhattacharya (West Bengal Chief Minister)
At Rs 1,00,000 ($ 2,500 when announced and $ 2,000 on the launch day (today) thanks to Dollar appreciation against Rupee) it is the world’s most inexpensive, yet it is a very modern car that gives 100 Km for a charge of 5 liters of petrol, has a stylish finish and meets the European norms for emission.
It will be interesting to watch Tata Nano unfold in the market over the next couple of years.
Some of us remember the 1984 launch of Maruti car (another people’s car of the previous generation)
Perhaps BBC endorsed it best when it calls Tata Nano a demonstration of Indian ingenuity.
By choosing to launch it from Taj Mahal Hotel (ravaged in November 26, 2008 terrorist launch that Tatas got re-built in record time) Tatas demonstrated the indomitable spirit of enterprise.
All in all it is a proud day for India & Indians
