India's Tata Motors hopes to offer the Nano, dubbed the world's cheapest car, in the United States within two years, its chairman said.
''It will need to meet all emission and crash standards and so we hope in the next two years we will be offering such a vehicle in the U.S,'' Ratan Tata told a panel at the Cornell Global Forum on Sustainable Global Enterprise late Wednesday.
The company plans to offer a European version of the car, which costs about $2,300, in 2011.
Tata got the idea to make a car that poor people could afford while thinking about the motorbike and scooter riders who maneuver through the streets of Indian cities with their children on board.
The four-seater car gets up to 65 miles per gallon (28 km per liter). Cheap labor helps to keep the price down.
Tata said his company was also working to develop cars that run on fuels other than gasoline such as clean diesel, biofuels and batteries.
The Nano debuted in showrooms in January 2008, but production was delayed by protests over land use where a plant was to be located. The cars will be available in India by July with a lottery to select the first 100,000 owners.
Showing posts with label Tata Nano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tata Nano. Show all posts
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Tata Housing | Ratan Tata: A Messiah for middle class
New channels and internet were abuzz with the talks of the new Tata ‘Nana’ housing project yesterday. It seems Ratan Tata has planned to tap the still neglected low cost product market (untapped in the sense that no known company has entered this sector). Be it the recently launched Tata Nano or the Tata Housing project at Boisar, about 120 kms from South Mumbai.
In a country like India, where we have such a large middle class, It is ought o the middle class deciding the future of a product in the market. It is the middle class which is going to make Tata Nano, a big hit or a flop and it was the same class which led to the record sales of Maruti 800. So, when you launch a product, you need to keep in mind this middle class. This middle class can also be easily divided into three categories: Upper Middle Class, Lower middle class and Typical Middle Class and lower middle class remains the biggest in number in the middle class segment.
So the products like Tata Nano and Tata housing are surely going to be a big hit amongst this segment, which lives in rented accommodations in these metros and dreams about having their own homes and obviously a car for the family. Ratan Tata has surely taken a big risk by entering this sector, but if it pays off, he will be become the best businessman ever, which India produced.
Which lower Middle class family can dream of having a home and car for just 5 lakhs, its like playing God and making their all dreams come true? With rents touching their all time highs, in normal circumstances, a middle class family pays around Rs. 3000-4000 per month for house rent and spends more than Rs. 2000 per month for commuting. So a family spends a total of around Rs. 6000 on housing and commuting. Calculating in normal mathematics, this family will spend Rs 5 lakh in around 83 months, if they pay same amount every month. But it is not the same, costs increase, inflation is always there.
For such a family buying a Tata house and a Tata car is going to be the first priority.
In a country like India, where we have such a large middle class, It is ought o the middle class deciding the future of a product in the market. It is the middle class which is going to make Tata Nano, a big hit or a flop and it was the same class which led to the record sales of Maruti 800. So, when you launch a product, you need to keep in mind this middle class. This middle class can also be easily divided into three categories: Upper Middle Class, Lower middle class and Typical Middle Class and lower middle class remains the biggest in number in the middle class segment.
So the products like Tata Nano and Tata housing are surely going to be a big hit amongst this segment, which lives in rented accommodations in these metros and dreams about having their own homes and obviously a car for the family. Ratan Tata has surely taken a big risk by entering this sector, but if it pays off, he will be become the best businessman ever, which India produced.
Which lower Middle class family can dream of having a home and car for just 5 lakhs, its like playing God and making their all dreams come true? With rents touching their all time highs, in normal circumstances, a middle class family pays around Rs. 3000-4000 per month for house rent and spends more than Rs. 2000 per month for commuting. So a family spends a total of around Rs. 6000 on housing and commuting. Calculating in normal mathematics, this family will spend Rs 5 lakh in around 83 months, if they pay same amount every month. But it is not the same, costs increase, inflation is always there.
For such a family buying a Tata house and a Tata car is going to be the first priority.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Book your Nano Online at CarWale.com
CarWale.com, India's ultimate car portal, has tied up with Leading Banks to provide convenient online booking for Tata Nano - the People's Car. The booking amount for the car, is Rs. 2999, comes inclusive of, Interest Amount and Processing.
While CarWale.com is offering this service absolutely free of charge, they have now gone a step further by setting up a detailed section on www.carwale.com to help customers apply for the Tata Nano. Boasting a secure payments gateway for online transactions, CarWale is providing this service to over 170 cities across the country.
Applications will be accepted from April 9 to April 25.
"Nano marks a new era in India's car history and we are here to revolutionize people's car buying experience. We are glad to partner with leading bank and offer easy finance and online booking of Nano." said Tufail Khan, VP Marketing CarWale.com, "And hence we are providing Tata Nano buyers the luxury of replacing unending queues and paper work hassles with a simple click of a button to book a car, all within the comfort of their home."
All Nano models are available on www.carwale.com and the customer can also choose from a wide range of colors. CarWale with their Finance partners arranges to deliver and collect application form, loan documents from the home & office of customers.
And while consumers book Nano at CarWale, they all stand a chance to win exciting gifts such as free petrol vouchers, electronic items and more from CarWale. In fact, one lucky winner will drive away with a free Tata Nano.
While CarWale.com is offering this service absolutely free of charge, they have now gone a step further by setting up a detailed section on www.carwale.com to help customers apply for the Tata Nano. Boasting a secure payments gateway for online transactions, CarWale is providing this service to over 170 cities across the country.
Applications will be accepted from April 9 to April 25.
"Nano marks a new era in India's car history and we are here to revolutionize people's car buying experience. We are glad to partner with leading bank and offer easy finance and online booking of Nano." said Tufail Khan, VP Marketing CarWale.com, "And hence we are providing Tata Nano buyers the luxury of replacing unending queues and paper work hassles with a simple click of a button to book a car, all within the comfort of their home."
All Nano models are available on www.carwale.com and the customer can also choose from a wide range of colors. CarWale with their Finance partners arranges to deliver and collect application form, loan documents from the home & office of customers.
And while consumers book Nano at CarWale, they all stand a chance to win exciting gifts such as free petrol vouchers, electronic items and more from CarWale. In fact, one lucky winner will drive away with a free Tata Nano.
Small car draws long queues as bookings start for Tata Nano
Tata Motors showrooms across the country witnessed heavy footfalls Thursday as thousands of people queued for application forms to book their much-sought Nano, the jellybean-shaped small car.
Delhi, which has over 15 Tata Motors outlets, witnessed more than 7,000 eager customers rushing to book the "people's car" at the opening of the 17-day booking period.
A-One Motors, a dealership on Barakhamba Road in the heart of the national capital, alone saw more than 1,200 people. More than 1,000 forms, each costing Rs.300, were sold.
Over the next 16 days, interested buyers can apply with an upfront payment of around Rs.95,000, or Rs.2,999 if they wish to get the car financed. Direct financing has been made available through 18 participating banks at 9-14.25 percent interest.
The car can also be booked online through the net banking gateway of over 28 banks. The online form will cost Rs.200.
But that alone will not assure them a Nano, which the $62.5-billion Tata group chairman Ratan Tata had promised to deliver for Rs.100,000 at factory gates.
A lottery will decide the lucky 100,000 who will drive out the Nano in the first phase - the result of a Rs.20-billion investment, and five years of research and development by a 500-member team, which even fetched them 34 patents.
The list of those allotted the car will be made public 60 days after the booking closes.
Tata Motors officials said over 50,000 forms have been sold across India before the booking date and the numbers were likely to multiply over the the next two weeks.
"We have had more than 300 people visiting our showroom since morning today (Thursday) and have sold about 200 forms," said Rajesh Deswal, a sales representative at A-One Motors' Moti Nagar outlet in west Delhi.
Among those who booked the Rs.100,000 ($2,000) car was noted filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, who sought financing through State Bank of India (SBI) and filled the form at midnight in Lucknow.
"We were prepared ever since the booking date was announced and had made all preparations to meet the rush," SBI chief general manager Shiv Kumar said.
Delhi, which has over 15 Tata Motors outlets, witnessed more than 7,000 eager customers rushing to book the "people's car" at the opening of the 17-day booking period.
A-One Motors, a dealership on Barakhamba Road in the heart of the national capital, alone saw more than 1,200 people. More than 1,000 forms, each costing Rs.300, were sold.
Over the next 16 days, interested buyers can apply with an upfront payment of around Rs.95,000, or Rs.2,999 if they wish to get the car financed. Direct financing has been made available through 18 participating banks at 9-14.25 percent interest.
The car can also be booked online through the net banking gateway of over 28 banks. The online form will cost Rs.200.
But that alone will not assure them a Nano, which the $62.5-billion Tata group chairman Ratan Tata had promised to deliver for Rs.100,000 at factory gates.
A lottery will decide the lucky 100,000 who will drive out the Nano in the first phase - the result of a Rs.20-billion investment, and five years of research and development by a 500-member team, which even fetched them 34 patents.
The list of those allotted the car will be made public 60 days after the booking closes.
Tata Motors officials said over 50,000 forms have been sold across India before the booking date and the numbers were likely to multiply over the the next two weeks.
"We have had more than 300 people visiting our showroom since morning today (Thursday) and have sold about 200 forms," said Rajesh Deswal, a sales representative at A-One Motors' Moti Nagar outlet in west Delhi.
Among those who booked the Rs.100,000 ($2,000) car was noted filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, who sought financing through State Bank of India (SBI) and filled the form at midnight in Lucknow.
"We were prepared ever since the booking date was announced and had made all preparations to meet the rush," SBI chief general manager Shiv Kumar said.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tips for buyers of Nano
Following are a few pointers for interested buyers of Nano:
* Nano on display at Tata Motors showrooms from April 1
* Sale of application/booking at Rs.300 per application form, starts from April 9
* First phase of booking to end April 25
* Application forms available at over 30,000 locations in 1,000 cities
* Forms can be submitted to State Bank of India in 1,350 notified branches in 850 cities
* 15 other banks/NBFCs to provide booking loan
* Online bookings can be submitted at: www.tatanano.com
* Deliveries to commence from July 1
* 100,000 cars to be price protected
* Attractive range of accessories and Nano merchandise
The three variants of Nano, which shall be available are:
* Tata Nano Standard (BS-II and BS-III): The basic model or the standard version, in three colour options, single-tone seats, and fold-down rear seat
* Tata Nano CX (BS-II and BS-III): In five colour options, with heating and air-conditioning (HVAC), two-tone seats, parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes, fold-down rear seat with nap rest
* Tata Nano LX: (BS-III) With the features of CX plus complete fabric seats, central locking, front power windows, body coloured exteriors in three premium colours, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holder in front console, mobile charger point, and rear spoiler
Many of these features are not available on current entry-level small cars in the country.
* Nano on display at Tata Motors showrooms from April 1
* Sale of application/booking at Rs.300 per application form, starts from April 9
* First phase of booking to end April 25
* Application forms available at over 30,000 locations in 1,000 cities
* Forms can be submitted to State Bank of India in 1,350 notified branches in 850 cities
* 15 other banks/NBFCs to provide booking loan
* Online bookings can be submitted at: www.tatanano.com
* Deliveries to commence from July 1
* 100,000 cars to be price protected
* Attractive range of accessories and Nano merchandise
The three variants of Nano, which shall be available are:
* Tata Nano Standard (BS-II and BS-III): The basic model or the standard version, in three colour options, single-tone seats, and fold-down rear seat
* Tata Nano CX (BS-II and BS-III): In five colour options, with heating and air-conditioning (HVAC), two-tone seats, parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes, fold-down rear seat with nap rest
* Tata Nano LX: (BS-III) With the features of CX plus complete fabric seats, central locking, front power windows, body coloured exteriors in three premium colours, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holder in front console, mobile charger point, and rear spoiler
Many of these features are not available on current entry-level small cars in the country.
Nano will dent used car, two-wheeler markets: Experts
The launch of Nano, the world's cheapest car from Tata Motors, has created a new segment in the auto industry that will affect the used car and two-wheeler markets "significantly", experts said.
Tata Motors Monday launched the Nano commercially, more than a year after it unveiled the Rs.100,000 car at an auto expo in Delhi.
The car will be available for booking between April 9-25 with delivery starting in July at a booking price of Rs.2,999.
Experts feel the used car market and the two-wheeler business will be subject to attrition, with the Nano bridging the gap for first-time buyers.
"It's likely to affect the used car business by 10-12 percent with immediate effect. It might also push down the price by an equal percentage for second hand vehicles," auto analyst Murad Ali Baid told IANS.
Abdul Majeed, principal automobile consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers said the impact of Nano on the used car market will be "significant".
"The car has created a new segment, which will significantly affect the second hand car market, while the two-wheeler market will also suffer," he said.
Tata Motors chairman Ratan Tata has declared on several occasions that he first thought of introducing an affordable car when he saw a family of four travelling on a two-wheeler.
"We had never conceived the Nano as the cheapest car but as a vehicle to enable Indian families own an affordable, all-weather mode of transportation," Tata said at Monday's press briefing during the vehicle launch.
However, even after Monday's "interim launch", many consumers may still have to wait to own the car.
Tata will manufacture about 60,000-70,000 vehicles in the first phase until its new facility in Sanand in Gujarat becomes operational by the year-end, which will take the number to around 500,000.
"We are aware that the demand is most likely to outstrip supply in the near term, because this is an interim launch, until the Sanand facility becomes fully operational," Tata said.
He admitted that a long waiting period could dissuade prospective buyers.
Majeed shared the same view: "The biggest challenge for Tata will be to make higher numbers available as soon as possible."
Arguing that the Gujarat facility would take some time to come up, Majeed said: "The small numbers being rolled out of Tata's Pantnagar plant (in Uttarakhand) will not suffice."
Dilip Chenoy, president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), however, said since the number of cars immediately available in the market was limited, it would not affect the used car business and two-wheeler market.
"The car has created a new segment in itself. But the initial numbers are too little to have any impact on any other segment," he said.
Tata Motors Monday launched the Nano commercially, more than a year after it unveiled the Rs.100,000 car at an auto expo in Delhi.
The car will be available for booking between April 9-25 with delivery starting in July at a booking price of Rs.2,999.
Experts feel the used car market and the two-wheeler business will be subject to attrition, with the Nano bridging the gap for first-time buyers.
"It's likely to affect the used car business by 10-12 percent with immediate effect. It might also push down the price by an equal percentage for second hand vehicles," auto analyst Murad Ali Baid told IANS.
Abdul Majeed, principal automobile consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers said the impact of Nano on the used car market will be "significant".
"The car has created a new segment, which will significantly affect the second hand car market, while the two-wheeler market will also suffer," he said.
Tata Motors chairman Ratan Tata has declared on several occasions that he first thought of introducing an affordable car when he saw a family of four travelling on a two-wheeler.
"We had never conceived the Nano as the cheapest car but as a vehicle to enable Indian families own an affordable, all-weather mode of transportation," Tata said at Monday's press briefing during the vehicle launch.
However, even after Monday's "interim launch", many consumers may still have to wait to own the car.
Tata will manufacture about 60,000-70,000 vehicles in the first phase until its new facility in Sanand in Gujarat becomes operational by the year-end, which will take the number to around 500,000.
"We are aware that the demand is most likely to outstrip supply in the near term, because this is an interim launch, until the Sanand facility becomes fully operational," Tata said.
He admitted that a long waiting period could dissuade prospective buyers.
Majeed shared the same view: "The biggest challenge for Tata will be to make higher numbers available as soon as possible."
Arguing that the Gujarat facility would take some time to come up, Majeed said: "The small numbers being rolled out of Tata's Pantnagar plant (in Uttarakhand) will not suffice."
Dilip Chenoy, president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), however, said since the number of cars immediately available in the market was limited, it would not affect the used car business and two-wheeler market.
"The car has created a new segment in itself. But the initial numbers are too little to have any impact on any other segment," he said.
Ratan Tata plans Nano launch in Europe, US
Already making waves worldwide even before its low-priced car Nano hits the Indian roads, Tata Motors is contemplating a launch of the family car for the European and US markets, according to company chairman Ratan Tata.
However, Tata categorically said, there were no plans currently for entering the vast Chinese market. "At the moment, we are entirely concentrating on the Indian market. We already have our hands full with it," he said.
Announcing the commercial launch here Monday, Tata said the company plans to launch a European version of the Nano by 2011.
"It would not be a $2,000 or $3,000 vehicle, but it will encompass all the features required as per European regulations and by the customers like protective airbags," he said.
It would also have a more powerful engine and comply with all the emission norms applicable in Europe, Tata added.
Responding to a query by a Japanese journalist, Tata said Nano was likely to be introduced in another three to four years (by 2012) in the US.
"Given the present indications, we plan to further develop the European model for the US markets, like providing a better crash protection system," Tata said.
Company managing director Ravi Kant said the Tata Nano Europa, showcased during the 79th Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, was intended for a future launch in select international markets.
Earlier, in his opening remarks at the formal launch of Nano at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel, Tata said: "We have kept our promise."
Giving full credit to the Tata Motors team for making a reality that was once believed impossible, he added: "We are delighted to present the Tata Nano to India and the world."
According to the head of the $62.5-billion Tata group, the Nano represented the spirit of breaking conventional barriers - with the car having overcome several challenges right from the drawing board to its commercial launch.
"Today, in all humility, I would like to say that we are overwhelmed by the response to the Nano. We wanted to give the family a means of good, safe transportation at an affordable price, we never looked upon it as achieving some kind of engineering feat," Tata declared.
However, Tata categorically said, there were no plans currently for entering the vast Chinese market. "At the moment, we are entirely concentrating on the Indian market. We already have our hands full with it," he said.
Announcing the commercial launch here Monday, Tata said the company plans to launch a European version of the Nano by 2011.
"It would not be a $2,000 or $3,000 vehicle, but it will encompass all the features required as per European regulations and by the customers like protective airbags," he said.
It would also have a more powerful engine and comply with all the emission norms applicable in Europe, Tata added.
Responding to a query by a Japanese journalist, Tata said Nano was likely to be introduced in another three to four years (by 2012) in the US.
"Given the present indications, we plan to further develop the European model for the US markets, like providing a better crash protection system," Tata said.
Company managing director Ravi Kant said the Tata Nano Europa, showcased during the 79th Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, was intended for a future launch in select international markets.
Earlier, in his opening remarks at the formal launch of Nano at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel, Tata said: "We have kept our promise."
Giving full credit to the Tata Motors team for making a reality that was once believed impossible, he added: "We are delighted to present the Tata Nano to India and the world."
According to the head of the $62.5-billion Tata group, the Nano represented the spirit of breaking conventional barriers - with the car having overcome several challenges right from the drawing board to its commercial launch.
"Today, in all humility, I would like to say that we are overwhelmed by the response to the Nano. We wanted to give the family a means of good, safe transportation at an affordable price, we never looked upon it as achieving some kind of engineering feat," Tata declared.
Ratan Tata drops formal air at Nano launch
The usually formal and business-like Tata Motors chairman Ratan Tata let his guard down at times while announcing the launch of his pet dream project, the Nano car, here Monday.
Not only did he field questions ranging from the on-road price of the Nano to prickly political posers by reporters at Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel, Tata was also seen consulting colleagues on the dais, and laughing and sharing a camaraderie with the company top brass and the media alike.
All through, Tata's body language indicated he was happy at delivering his dream car within the specified time frame and was enjoying the attention of the whole world.
When asked by a journalist what would his message be to Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee - who last year ensured that the Nano project moved out of West Bengal, her state - the 71-year old Tata smiled and sidestepped the query saying: "I wish to say (to her) 'Good afternoon'."
Even as the packed hall reverberated with laughter, Tata said that was his "only message today" and declined to elaborate, preferring to close the issue with a wide grin.
Following questions pertaining to his promise to name "professional rivals" who allegedly derailed the Nano project in West Bengal and whether successfully launching Nano could signal his retirement, Tata paused, looked at his confused colleagues, and smilingly quipped: "I will answer both these questions too at an appropriate time."
The chairman of the $62.5-billion Tata group happily obliged language media journalists by replying to them with a few words in Hindi, a rarity as he usually communicates in English, and makes no bones about it.
Discussing Nano, Tata, a qualified pilot, said that when the car was conceptualised, it was intended as a good, safe and affordable family vehicle - "not a half a car to the people" - and that the final product lived up to the original dream.
About reactions from rival vehicle manufacturers, Tata looked around a bit suspiciously and responded: "We do expect some reactions from the market once it hits the roads in a couple of months. It will also depend on the impact Nano makes, though we are not entering the market in a horrendously big way."
Not only did he field questions ranging from the on-road price of the Nano to prickly political posers by reporters at Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel, Tata was also seen consulting colleagues on the dais, and laughing and sharing a camaraderie with the company top brass and the media alike.
All through, Tata's body language indicated he was happy at delivering his dream car within the specified time frame and was enjoying the attention of the whole world.
When asked by a journalist what would his message be to Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee - who last year ensured that the Nano project moved out of West Bengal, her state - the 71-year old Tata smiled and sidestepped the query saying: "I wish to say (to her) 'Good afternoon'."
Even as the packed hall reverberated with laughter, Tata said that was his "only message today" and declined to elaborate, preferring to close the issue with a wide grin.
Following questions pertaining to his promise to name "professional rivals" who allegedly derailed the Nano project in West Bengal and whether successfully launching Nano could signal his retirement, Tata paused, looked at his confused colleagues, and smilingly quipped: "I will answer both these questions too at an appropriate time."
The chairman of the $62.5-billion Tata group happily obliged language media journalists by replying to them with a few words in Hindi, a rarity as he usually communicates in English, and makes no bones about it.
Discussing Nano, Tata, a qualified pilot, said that when the car was conceptualised, it was intended as a good, safe and affordable family vehicle - "not a half a car to the people" - and that the final product lived up to the original dream.
About reactions from rival vehicle manufacturers, Tata looked around a bit suspiciously and responded: "We do expect some reactions from the market once it hits the roads in a couple of months. It will also depend on the impact Nano makes, though we are not entering the market in a horrendously big way."
Don't care for Nano or 'No-No', says agitated Mamata
As the world watched the launch of Tata Motors' Nano in Mumbai, an agitated Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee Monday said she was not bothered by the event and lost her cool with journalists for asking whether she now regretted her campaign that forced the world's cheapest car out of West Bengal.
"We don't care for Nano. That is not our business. We ignore it," Banerjee said when asked by mediapersons for her reactions to the Nano launch.
Banerjee, who had called the media to release her party manifesto for the coming Lok Sabha polls, got angry when asked whether she regretted the sustained campaign against land acquisition launched by her that forced Nano out of the state.
"Why? We are not bothered whether it is Nano or No-No. We can't interfere in their business. I am not a partner," she said, raising her decibel.
"You can't ignore the interests of common people there (in Singur) whose land was forcibly taken by the government," she said.
Lashing out at the journalist who posed the query, Banerjee countered: "Why are you asking this question? What interest do you have?"
Banerjee spearheaded a sustained two-and-a-half year agitation in Singur - the original site of the Nano plant - against the alleged forcible acquisition of land for the world's cheapest car project, and ultimately Tata Motors was forced to shift the factory to Sanand in Gujarat.
Tata group chief Ratan Tata in October last year had blamed Banerjee's agitation for his decision to shift the factory out of the state.
While announcing the decision to move out of Singur in Hooghly district, Tata had remarked: "What could we have done when Ms Banerjee says 'I won't allow a single Nano to roll out'? ... How do we go on with production when Ms Banerjee publicly says people of West Bengal do not want us?"
"I had said earlier that if somebody holds a trigger to my face, he will have to take the decision whether or not to pull the trigger, because I will not move away. I must say Ms Banerjee has pulled the trigger," Tata had commented.
The Trinamool Congress-led farmers had demanded return of 400 acres out of the 997.11 acres acquired in Singur, 40 km from here, alleging the land was forcibly taken by the state government from those unwilling to part with it. Tata Motors were to set up the ancillary units of the integrated project on the 400 acres.
But the Tatas, who spent Rs.15 billion in Singur, were against relocating the ancillary units, saying it would increase the production cost.
The people's car Nano is priced at Rs.100,000 at the factory gate.
"We don't care for Nano. That is not our business. We ignore it," Banerjee said when asked by mediapersons for her reactions to the Nano launch.
Banerjee, who had called the media to release her party manifesto for the coming Lok Sabha polls, got angry when asked whether she regretted the sustained campaign against land acquisition launched by her that forced Nano out of the state.
"Why? We are not bothered whether it is Nano or No-No. We can't interfere in their business. I am not a partner," she said, raising her decibel.
"You can't ignore the interests of common people there (in Singur) whose land was forcibly taken by the government," she said.
Lashing out at the journalist who posed the query, Banerjee countered: "Why are you asking this question? What interest do you have?"
Banerjee spearheaded a sustained two-and-a-half year agitation in Singur - the original site of the Nano plant - against the alleged forcible acquisition of land for the world's cheapest car project, and ultimately Tata Motors was forced to shift the factory to Sanand in Gujarat.
Tata group chief Ratan Tata in October last year had blamed Banerjee's agitation for his decision to shift the factory out of the state.
While announcing the decision to move out of Singur in Hooghly district, Tata had remarked: "What could we have done when Ms Banerjee says 'I won't allow a single Nano to roll out'? ... How do we go on with production when Ms Banerjee publicly says people of West Bengal do not want us?"
"I had said earlier that if somebody holds a trigger to my face, he will have to take the decision whether or not to pull the trigger, because I will not move away. I must say Ms Banerjee has pulled the trigger," Tata had commented.
The Trinamool Congress-led farmers had demanded return of 400 acres out of the 997.11 acres acquired in Singur, 40 km from here, alleging the land was forcibly taken by the state government from those unwilling to part with it. Tata Motors were to set up the ancillary units of the integrated project on the 400 acres.
But the Tatas, who spent Rs.15 billion in Singur, were against relocating the ancillary units, saying it would increase the production cost.
The people's car Nano is priced at Rs.100,000 at the factory gate.
India gets the world's cheapest car in little Nano
Six years after promising Indians the world's cheapest car that meets both their aspirations and budgets, the Tata group commercially launched the little Nano here Monday despite roadblocks, with bookings for the first set of 100,000 vehicles slated from April 9-25 and deliveries from July.
"We are keeping our promise," the soft-spoken chairman of the group, Ratan Tata, told the army of media teams from India and overseas that converged at the Taj Mahal Palace and Towers hotel, which was at the centre of world attention when terrorists struck last November.
"We had never conceived the Nano as the cheapest car but as a vehicle to enable Indian families own an affordable, all-weather mode of transportation," he said, as the hotel came alive again with journalists jostling to hear the 71-year old chairman of India's largest business house.
Tata kept the announcement on the actual retail price for later. But company officials said they were planning the price for the base model at Rs.100,000 ($2,000) at factory gates.
Nano will be available in three variants - standard, deluxe and luxury. The base model will have no air-conditioning.
Tata also said the car had been delivered despite "somewhat trying circumstances", referring to the days just five months ago when the group had to shift its upcoming factory out of Singur in West Bengal, following protests by some farmers over the acquisition of their land for the project.
"You really don't want to wait too long for the car, because it is like waiting for a pretty woman - you wait for too long and she becomes fat and old," he said. But on a serious note, he said the group would try to bring down the waiting period as much as possible.
"All we set out to do was find a safer way to move Indian families at an affordable price," Tata said, while complimenting the 500-member Nano team at the Pune centre headed by their engineer Girish Wagh.
Asked what he would like to tell the Trinamool Congress chief, who had led the protests at Singur, Tata, responded with his usual understated style: "My only statement to Mamata Banerjee is, 'Good afternoon'."
He also said that Nano was being commercially launched some nine months ahead of the commissioning of its new project site at Sanand in Gujarat, some 45 km from the state's commercial capital Ahmedabad.
The first set of cars is being manufactured at Pantnagar in Uttarakhand and Pune in Maharashtra. Some 100,000 cars will be initially allocated through a system of lottery. "This will be price-protected," Tata said.
Application forms will be available for Rs.300 across some 30,000 centres, including the existing dealers of Tata group vehicles, as also Westside apparel stores and Croma appliance chain promoted by the $62.5-billion group.
The down payment for the car, for which forms will also be available from Titan stores and select branches of the State Bank of India, will be Rs.2,999, and the company will pay an interest of 8.5 percent to those who don't get firm allotment.
"We are aware that the demand is most likely to outstrip the supply in the near term, because this is an interim launch, until the Sanand facility becomes fully operational," Tata said.
He said this facility will be able to produce 250,000 vehicles per annum initially and production would be scaled up to 500,000 units in the near term. It will be ready by end-2009, officials said.
Tata said that the group was also developing a Nano variant for the US market. That would hit the roads in 2011.
The four-door car has a small 33-bhp engine at the rear and is targeted at the strong middle class population of Indians who aspire to trade their two-wheelers for a safer automobile.
With a length of 3.1 metres, a width of 1.5 metres and a height of 1.6 metres, Nano also has adequate ground clearance and can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas.
"We are keeping our promise," the soft-spoken chairman of the group, Ratan Tata, told the army of media teams from India and overseas that converged at the Taj Mahal Palace and Towers hotel, which was at the centre of world attention when terrorists struck last November.
"We had never conceived the Nano as the cheapest car but as a vehicle to enable Indian families own an affordable, all-weather mode of transportation," he said, as the hotel came alive again with journalists jostling to hear the 71-year old chairman of India's largest business house.
Tata kept the announcement on the actual retail price for later. But company officials said they were planning the price for the base model at Rs.100,000 ($2,000) at factory gates.
Nano will be available in three variants - standard, deluxe and luxury. The base model will have no air-conditioning.
Tata also said the car had been delivered despite "somewhat trying circumstances", referring to the days just five months ago when the group had to shift its upcoming factory out of Singur in West Bengal, following protests by some farmers over the acquisition of their land for the project.
"You really don't want to wait too long for the car, because it is like waiting for a pretty woman - you wait for too long and she becomes fat and old," he said. But on a serious note, he said the group would try to bring down the waiting period as much as possible.
"All we set out to do was find a safer way to move Indian families at an affordable price," Tata said, while complimenting the 500-member Nano team at the Pune centre headed by their engineer Girish Wagh.
Asked what he would like to tell the Trinamool Congress chief, who had led the protests at Singur, Tata, responded with his usual understated style: "My only statement to Mamata Banerjee is, 'Good afternoon'."
He also said that Nano was being commercially launched some nine months ahead of the commissioning of its new project site at Sanand in Gujarat, some 45 km from the state's commercial capital Ahmedabad.
The first set of cars is being manufactured at Pantnagar in Uttarakhand and Pune in Maharashtra. Some 100,000 cars will be initially allocated through a system of lottery. "This will be price-protected," Tata said.
Application forms will be available for Rs.300 across some 30,000 centres, including the existing dealers of Tata group vehicles, as also Westside apparel stores and Croma appliance chain promoted by the $62.5-billion group.
The down payment for the car, for which forms will also be available from Titan stores and select branches of the State Bank of India, will be Rs.2,999, and the company will pay an interest of 8.5 percent to those who don't get firm allotment.
"We are aware that the demand is most likely to outstrip the supply in the near term, because this is an interim launch, until the Sanand facility becomes fully operational," Tata said.
He said this facility will be able to produce 250,000 vehicles per annum initially and production would be scaled up to 500,000 units in the near term. It will be ready by end-2009, officials said.
Tata said that the group was also developing a Nano variant for the US market. That would hit the roads in 2011.
The four-door car has a small 33-bhp engine at the rear and is targeted at the strong middle class population of Indians who aspire to trade their two-wheelers for a safer automobile.
With a length of 3.1 metres, a width of 1.5 metres and a height of 1.6 metres, Nano also has adequate ground clearance and can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Nano set for commercial roll-out Monday
The Nano, touted as the world's cheapest car, will finally be launched from here Monday.
The Tata group, India's largest industrial house, is all set for the commercial roll-out of the small-car that hit the global headlines last year, both after its unveiling at the Auto Show in New Delhi and then becoming the centrepiece of a political controversy over the location of its plant at Singur in West Bengal.
The $62.5 billion group finally had to shift its factory to Sanand in Gujarat after cascading politically-motivated protests over land acquisition from farmers raised questions over the company's ability to stick to its launch deadline, informally set for October 2008.
Showcasing its prototype last year, Tata Motors had announced that it will cost all of Rs.100,000 ($2,000) at factory gates - the lowest cost for any car so far. The group has said the booking process and specific details on the retail price will be announced Monday afternoon.
Tata Motors hope to start from the second week of April advance bookings for the 624-cc jellybean car, which has a snub nose, a sloping roof and just about room for five to squeeze in.
Company officials said arrangements were being made to accept bookings with the existing dealers of Tata Motors, at Westside apparel chain and Croma appliances stores promoted by the group, and select branches of the State Bank of India.
Touted as the next revolution in automobiles after the legendary Model T, The Nano will be available in three variants - standard, deluxe and luxury. The base model will have no air-conditioning.
The four-door, five-seat car has a small 33-bhp engine at the rear and is targeted at the strong Indian middle class population that aspires to trade its two-wheelers for a much safer vehicle at an affordable cost.
With a length of 3.1 metres, a width of 1.5 metres and a height of 1.6 metres, Nano also has adequate ground clearance and can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas.
"Let me announce today that the dealer price for the car will be Rs.100,000 only," Ratan Tata, chairman of the group, had said last year, standing in front of the automobile he had promised to deliver four years ago, taking the project as a personal challenge.
"A promise is a promise," Tata had said, seeking to drive home the point he will deliver the car at the same price as he had set four years ago, despite major escalations in input costs.
The Tata group, India's largest industrial house, is all set for the commercial roll-out of the small-car that hit the global headlines last year, both after its unveiling at the Auto Show in New Delhi and then becoming the centrepiece of a political controversy over the location of its plant at Singur in West Bengal.
The $62.5 billion group finally had to shift its factory to Sanand in Gujarat after cascading politically-motivated protests over land acquisition from farmers raised questions over the company's ability to stick to its launch deadline, informally set for October 2008.
Showcasing its prototype last year, Tata Motors had announced that it will cost all of Rs.100,000 ($2,000) at factory gates - the lowest cost for any car so far. The group has said the booking process and specific details on the retail price will be announced Monday afternoon.
Tata Motors hope to start from the second week of April advance bookings for the 624-cc jellybean car, which has a snub nose, a sloping roof and just about room for five to squeeze in.
Company officials said arrangements were being made to accept bookings with the existing dealers of Tata Motors, at Westside apparel chain and Croma appliances stores promoted by the group, and select branches of the State Bank of India.
Touted as the next revolution in automobiles after the legendary Model T, The Nano will be available in three variants - standard, deluxe and luxury. The base model will have no air-conditioning.
The four-door, five-seat car has a small 33-bhp engine at the rear and is targeted at the strong Indian middle class population that aspires to trade its two-wheelers for a much safer vehicle at an affordable cost.
With a length of 3.1 metres, a width of 1.5 metres and a height of 1.6 metres, Nano also has adequate ground clearance and can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas.
"Let me announce today that the dealer price for the car will be Rs.100,000 only," Ratan Tata, chairman of the group, had said last year, standing in front of the automobile he had promised to deliver four years ago, taking the project as a personal challenge.
"A promise is a promise," Tata had said, seeking to drive home the point he will deliver the car at the same price as he had set four years ago, despite major escalations in input costs.
Friday, March 20, 2009
All about Tata Nano | Nano at Glance | Specifications of the Tata Nano
"I observed families riding on two-wheelers – the father driving the scooter, his young kid standing in front of him, his wife seated behind him holding a little baby. It led me to wonder whether one could conceive of a safe, affordable, all-weather form of transport for such a family. Tata Motors’ engineers and designers gave their all for about four years to realise this goal. Today, we indeed have a People’s Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms, to be fuel efficient and low on emissions. We are happy to present the People’s Car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility.”
Thats what Ratan Tata said at the unvieling ceremony of Tata Nano at Auto Fair.
Tata Nano Interiors
The interiors are not anything world-shattering and you are not going to chuck your Civic for the Nano. But it’s minimalistic, and efficient - and for those of us weaned on the Maruti 800 and Alsto, perhaps they are a step up.
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 areas. Its 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 both standard and deluxe versions. Both versions will offer a wide range of body colours, and other accessories so that the car can be customised to an individual’s preferences.
Fuel-efficient engine
Nano has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, 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.
Safety
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.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Tata Motors net plummets 153 percent; Biggest loss in seven years
The country's third largest passenger car maker and the biggest commercial vehicle manufacturer, Tata Motors, Friday said it posted a net loss of Rs.2.6 billion (Rs.263.26 crore/$58.5 million) in the third quarter of 2008-09, down 153 percent from that posted in the corresponding period last fiscal.The automaker incurred an operating loss of Rs.1.23 billion during the period against a profit of Rs.6.37 billion in the corresponding quarter last fiscal.
“The automotive sector in India suffered severe contraction in demand, arising from major financial and other market upheavals. This exacerbated the lack of liquidity and unavailability of consumer finance,” the company said in a statement.
Tata Motors sold 98,760 vehicles during the quarter, reflecting a drop of nearly 32 percent from the 144,608 units sold in the corresponding quarter last year.
Unaudited results showed the company was plagued by higher operating costs, with the dip in sales revenue exceeding the fall in expenditure by over 8 percent. The loss due to revaluation of foreign exchange borrowing stood at Rs.2.27 billion.
“The contraction in freight movement in many segments of the industry led to a massive drop of 61 percent in the M&HCV (medium and heavy commercial vehicle) segment demand,” the company said.
The sale of its stake in Tata Teleservices for Rs.478 million was reflected in the balance sheet for the quarter.
The company, however, did not make any provisions for expected loss due to relocation of its small car facility from Singur in West Bengal to Sanand in Gujrat.
“Based on the management's assessment of the cost and benefits in connection with the relocation of the project from Singur to Sanand, and pending a detailed evaluation of the options relating to Singur facility, no provision is considered to the carrying cost of capital work in progress,” the company stated in the balance sheet.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
'Tata's Gujarat deal will strengthen auto industry'
The Indian auto industry has welcomed Tata Motors' decision to set up Nano small car plant in Gujarat, saying the deal has reinforced the confidence of the industry.
“The Gujarat deal has reinforced the confidence that the Indian automobile sector is poised for steady growth and is seen as the next global destination for international automobile manufacturers," Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) director general Dilip Chenoy said Tuesday.
“It may emerge as a major factor that could change the current negative sentiment in the automotive industry. Almost all auto manufacturers are strengthening their manufacturing base that will further contribute to the strong growth of the auto industry in India,” Chenoy said in a statement.
It also brings out clearly that India as a country has the ability to withstand any socio-economic threat and would further help in attracting foreign investments in India, he added.
Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) director general Chandrajit Banerjee said Gujarat was one of the most investor-friendly states with an impeccable record of industrial relations,"
“The CII is working closely with the government of Gujarat to promote further industrialisation of the state through the 'Vibrant Gujarat' initiative, by highlighting the superior infrastructure, industrial climate and efficient governance in the state,” Banerjee said in a statement.
"CII is delighted that Nano has found a home in such a state,” Banerjee added.
“The Gujarat deal has reinforced the confidence that the Indian automobile sector is poised for steady growth and is seen as the next global destination for international automobile manufacturers," Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) director general Dilip Chenoy said Tuesday.
“It may emerge as a major factor that could change the current negative sentiment in the automotive industry. Almost all auto manufacturers are strengthening their manufacturing base that will further contribute to the strong growth of the auto industry in India,” Chenoy said in a statement.
It also brings out clearly that India as a country has the ability to withstand any socio-economic threat and would further help in attracting foreign investments in India, he added.
Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) director general Chandrajit Banerjee said Gujarat was one of the most investor-friendly states with an impeccable record of industrial relations,"
“The CII is working closely with the government of Gujarat to promote further industrialisation of the state through the 'Vibrant Gujarat' initiative, by highlighting the superior infrastructure, industrial climate and efficient governance in the state,” Banerjee said in a statement.
"CII is delighted that Nano has found a home in such a state,” Banerjee added.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Why Tata chose Gujarat for Nano over other states
Tata Motors opted for Gujarat over several other states for its Nano project because of the speed at which the state acted after the auto major pulled out of Singur in West Bengal, company chairman Ratan Tata said here Friday.
“We have selected Gujarat over other states because of the speed in which it acted,” Tata said at a press conference, which was also addressed by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
"The site in Gujarat, already under the possession of the state government, will help Tata Motors establish a new dedicated mother plant with the shortest possible time lag and least possible incremental project cost," Tata said.
He said the infrastructure available in the state, as well as the spirit and enterprise of the people of Gujarat and the state government led by Modi also made the choice compelling in the best interest of the project.
Company officials said the strategic location of Sanand, some 30 km from Ahmedabad and its proximity to the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway made the new site attractive.
The plant will be spread over about 1,100 acres, and will have an initial capacity of 250,000 units, which can be expanded to 500,000 cars annually.
The project, including Tata Motors' plant, vendor facilities and units for service providers, will together generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, Tata Motors said in a statement.
Apart from Gujarat, states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Orissa, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand had tried to wangle the project, which was moved out of Singur, West bengal, after wallowing in controversy for over two years since its inception.
“We have selected Gujarat over other states because of the speed in which it acted,” Tata said at a press conference, which was also addressed by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.
"The site in Gujarat, already under the possession of the state government, will help Tata Motors establish a new dedicated mother plant with the shortest possible time lag and least possible incremental project cost," Tata said.
He said the infrastructure available in the state, as well as the spirit and enterprise of the people of Gujarat and the state government led by Modi also made the choice compelling in the best interest of the project.
Company officials said the strategic location of Sanand, some 30 km from Ahmedabad and its proximity to the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway made the new site attractive.
The plant will be spread over about 1,100 acres, and will have an initial capacity of 250,000 units, which can be expanded to 500,000 cars annually.
The project, including Tata Motors' plant, vendor facilities and units for service providers, will together generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, Tata Motors said in a statement.
Apart from Gujarat, states such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Orissa, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand had tried to wangle the project, which was moved out of Singur, West bengal, after wallowing in controversy for over two years since its inception.
Tatas choose Gujarat as new home for small car Nano
Nano, the small car of Tata Motors, will now roll out from Gujarat. Group chairman Ratan Tata made the announcement in Gandhinagar Tuesday with Chief Minister Narendra Modi on the day he completed seven years in office.
The site chosen is Sanand, 30 km from the state's commercial capital Ahmedabad, on an area of some 1,100 acres.
A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed between Tata Motors and the Gujarat government Tuesday. “Welcome Nano,” read a poster behind the podium where the two sides signed the agreement.
"I don't see the entry of Nano as mere investment in Gujarat. I see it as a partnership between the Tatas and Gujarat - a partnership that would give a new direction and drive to our state's development," said Modi.
"I welcome Ratan Tata and Tata Motors in the new endeavour, and in the progress of my state," he said, adding: "I had wanted Nano project to roll out of India, irrespective of the state. And I am happy that they have chosen Gujarat."
Tata said it was a momentous, happy and special day for Tata Motors.
"We had been through some sad experience. But so quickly and with so much enthusiasm, we now have a new home. Having this new home and this new pact on the seventh anniversary of the chief minister's leadership makes it a special occasion for us," he said.
"We will be a good corporate citizen of Gujarat. We will be conscious of everything that Gujarat stands for and contribute to the good quality of life for its people," he said.
"Given the kind of problems across the country, what we saw here was truly unbelievable."
Tata said it would be the group's endeavour to roll out Nano as scheduled, even though it would take some time to build a new plant in Gujarat. "It would be too premature to talk about when Nano will roll out of Gujarat," he said.
"The chief minister has given us the goal. This is the smallest car in India and I want the project to be built at the shortest possible time. We won't be supersonic but build the plans soon," he said.
"We will launch Nano as per schedule, even if we may not have the volumes."
Tatas began scouting for an alternative site after pulling their project out of Singur in West Bengal following protests over the acquisition of farmland for the factory and threats to the company's employees, contractors and vendors.
Several states like Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Hayrana said they would roll out the red carpet should the Tata Motors agree to set up its project in their territories, but the group finally chose Gujarat.
The site chosen is Sanand, 30 km from the state's commercial capital Ahmedabad, on an area of some 1,100 acres.
A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed between Tata Motors and the Gujarat government Tuesday. “Welcome Nano,” read a poster behind the podium where the two sides signed the agreement.
"I don't see the entry of Nano as mere investment in Gujarat. I see it as a partnership between the Tatas and Gujarat - a partnership that would give a new direction and drive to our state's development," said Modi.
"I welcome Ratan Tata and Tata Motors in the new endeavour, and in the progress of my state," he said, adding: "I had wanted Nano project to roll out of India, irrespective of the state. And I am happy that they have chosen Gujarat."
Tata said it was a momentous, happy and special day for Tata Motors.
"We had been through some sad experience. But so quickly and with so much enthusiasm, we now have a new home. Having this new home and this new pact on the seventh anniversary of the chief minister's leadership makes it a special occasion for us," he said.
"We will be a good corporate citizen of Gujarat. We will be conscious of everything that Gujarat stands for and contribute to the good quality of life for its people," he said.
"Given the kind of problems across the country, what we saw here was truly unbelievable."
Tata said it would be the group's endeavour to roll out Nano as scheduled, even though it would take some time to build a new plant in Gujarat. "It would be too premature to talk about when Nano will roll out of Gujarat," he said.
"The chief minister has given us the goal. This is the smallest car in India and I want the project to be built at the shortest possible time. We won't be supersonic but build the plans soon," he said.
"We will launch Nano as per schedule, even if we may not have the volumes."
Tatas began scouting for an alternative site after pulling their project out of Singur in West Bengal following protests over the acquisition of farmland for the factory and threats to the company's employees, contractors and vendors.
Several states like Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra and Hayrana said they would roll out the red carpet should the Tata Motors agree to set up its project in their territories, but the group finally chose Gujarat.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Tata group on 47th spot in 50 World's most innovative companies
Within the first 10 days of 2008, Ratan Tata, the magnate behind India's $72.8 billion Tata Group, made a reported $2 billion bid for Ford's Jaguar and Land Rover brands and unveiled its long anticipated $2,500 "People's Car" called "Nano." India's largest conglomerate made a clear statement that Indian business is not just an outsourcing ghetto. It wasn't the first time that Tata the man, the fifth generation of his family to run the company, had demonstrated his global savvy. In the 1990s, when he took the helm of the company, its trucking unit was enduring the biggest losses in Indian history. Since then, through a series of international acquisitions (Tetley Teas, steelmaker Corus), the 70-year-old mogul has transformed the company into a mosaic of 100 diverse businesses, with more than half of the company's revenue coming from non-Indian operations.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
World's cheapest car 'Nano' launched by Tata Motors
As the global auto industry and millions of aspiring Indians watched in awe, the $29-billion Tata group, the country's largest business house, launched the world's cheapest car - the little 'Nano' - that will cost all of $2,500 at the factory gate.
Ratan Tata, the 70-year-old soft-spoken chairman of the group, drove in the 624 cc "people's car" to the Tata Motors pavilion at the Auto Expo show here to unveil the new car that will be commercially launched later this year.
As journalists and TV crews jostled to gain entry into the pavilion, Tata lifted the covers off what had been the best-kept secret of the company, which analysts say will transform the car market not just in India but also globally.
"Let me announce today that the dealer price for the car will be Rs.100,000 only," Tata said, standing in the front of the new automobile, which he had promised to deliver four years ago and which he had made it a personal project.
"It is a proud moment for India. The car demonstrates India's technological and entrepreneurial ability," Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said at the Auto Expo. "The car will help people move from two-wheeler to four-wheeler."
Nano - which has no air-conditioning, no power windows or motorised steering - will be manufactured at the company's Singur facility in West Bengal. A diesel version and exports to other countries are also planned later.
"It's a safe, affordable and all-weather transport - a people's car, designed to meet all safety standards and emissions laws and accessible to all," Tata said, seeking to dismiss fears over its being environmentally unfriendly.
"I observed families riding on two-wheelers - the father driving, his young kid standing in front, his wife seated behind holding a baby. It led me to wonder if we could conceive of a safe, affordable transport for such families."
The four-door, five-seat car has a small 33-bhp 624-cc engine at the rear and is targeted at the strong middle class population of Indians who aspire to trade their two-wheelers for a safer automobile - at an affordable cost.
"A promise is a promise," he said, and sought to drive home the point he had delivered the car at the same price at which he had said four years ago, despite major escalations in input costs.
"It is a car most people said could not be manufactured at that price," he added.
"It's a good product," said Jagdish Khattar, former chief executive of Indo-Japanese car venture Maruti Suzuki, which has been dominating the small car market in India for over three decades.
Tata also said "Nano" fully meets safety and emission standards and had passed the full frontal crash test, besides meeting the Euro-IV emission norms.
Absolute chaos and mayhem marked the launch, with at least 1,000 members of the media corps struggling to enter the Tata Motor's pavilion and see the machine that will cost less than a branded DVD player of a BMW or a Mercedes.
At a press conference later, Tata spoke at length on a wide variety of issues including comments from the global automobile industry, which he said watching the new launch "with disbelief and not with expectations".
"In the marketplace, the best wins. I am quite willing to fight in the marketplace. I also urge all players to fight in the market," Tata said while expressing displeasure over the controversies behind the new project.
"The concept started as a social issue and not as business or philanthropy. There will be a base model and several variants for upmarket consumers. All this will add up as an attractive business prospect."
With a length of 3.1 metres, a width of 1.5 metres and a height of 1.6 metres, with adequate ground clearance, it can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas, Tata officials said.
Indo-Asian News Service
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