In early 2008, we wrote about the hype surrounding India’s Tata Motors and their plan to produce the newest version of the “folks’ wagon” with their pared down Nano car, a vehicle that takes the idea of affordability to new levels with its Rs 100,000 ($2000) price tag. And while the company’s concept has been beset by criticisms from the beginning, questioning its manufacturing processes as well voicing concerns over the Nano’s safety and overall environmental impact, Tata’s vision has become a reality with today’s debut.
Time explains that the Nano’s engineers redesigned every component of the vehicle to minimize cost and weight, while maximizing comfort and performance and in light of their initial test drive, the car meets with mostly positive reviews. Still, while these innovations come at time when the auto industry is sorely in need of some, are they promoting the right kind of change? While we can’t fault Tata Motors for attempting to bring a car back to the people, just because you can manufacture something for the bottom line and sell it to a bigger audience, doesn’t you mean should. As we’ve seen time and again, cheap generally comes with its own hidden costs. In other words, automakers shouldn’t be looking for methods to build and sell more cars, instead they should find ways to make the right kind of cars – fuel efficient with less overall environmental impact – and hopefully the public demand will follow suit no matter what the price.
[via Time]
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I am very glad and proud for this car.Thanks to TATA ji.This a revuliation to the youth of new generation.This is a fullfil dream to the middlleclass people. Thanks.
Subrata.
March 24th, 2009 at 1:20 am
As I see it. The world is going for enviromemtal values, Nano should be fitted with a hydrocell. Hydrocell could be produced in a shape and size of a car battery, but instead of storing electricity, ther can be slightly converted and insted lead plates, stainless steel plates are fitted and it produces gydrogen gas . The hydrogen gas is not stored, but burned on demand as it is split from water. and the effect is that the economy of the car will double, , plus the hydrogen gas leaves absolutely no enviromental damege.
March 24th, 2009 at 4:34 am
I think its like a little tonka car. Great invention, Going to save on car costs, gas, insurance… If you need a new part go get it out of your kids plastic land rover. LOL
March 24th, 2009 at 7:39 am
I believe that the nano car of ratan tata is very fruitful to society because of the needs and demand of middle class people.
April 5th, 2009 at 2:53 am
I read 3 types of aricles about this car.
And i agreed with the first india shouldnt copy america…!
But, that doesnt mean they should’nt make their own kind of car.
April 30th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
this car is the bomb
April 30th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
I want one, and here are my info: Paul N Hardman DOB: 1-29-53, SSN: 559-98-5086, WA DL: HARDMPN474B9.
May 26th, 2009 at 9:15 pm