Overview
The introduction of the Nano received media attention due to its targeted low price. The financial Time reported: "If ever there were a symbol of India’s ambitions to become a modern nation, it would surely be the Nano, the tiny car with the even tinier price-tag. A triumph of homegrown engineering, the $2,200 (€1,490, £1,186) Nano encapsulates the dream of millions of Indians groping for a shot at urban prosperity." The car is expected to boost the Indian economy, create entrepreneurial-opportunities across India, as well as expand the Indian car market by 65%[19]. The car was envisioned by Ratan Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group and Tata Motors, who has described it as an eco-friendly "people's car". Nano has been greatly appreciated by many sources and the media for its low-cost[20][21] and eco-friendly initiatives which include using compressed-air as fuel[22] and an electric-version (E-Nano)[23][24]. Tata Group is expected to mass-manufacture the Nano, particularly the electric-version, and, besides selling them in India, to also export them worldwide[25][26][27].
Critics of the car have questioned its safety in India (where reportedly 90,000 people are killed in road-accidents every year[28]), and have also criticised the pollution that it would cause[29] (including criticism by Rajendra Pachauri[30]). However, Tata Motors has promised that it would definitely release Nano's eco-friendly models alongside the gasoline-model[31][32].
The Nano was originally to have been manufactured at a new factory in Singur, West Bengal, but increasingly violent protests forced Tata to pull out October 2008. (See Singur factory pullout below.) Currently, Tata Motors is reportedly manufacturing Nano at its existing Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) plant and a mother plant has been proposed for Sanand Gujarat.[33]. The company will bank on existing dealer network for Nano initially.[34] The new Nano Plant could have a capacity of 5,00,000 units, compared to 3,00,000 for Singur. Gujarat has also agreed to match all the incentives offered by West Bengal government.[35]
Design
Ratan Tata, the Chairman of Tata Motors, began development of the world's cheapest production car in 2003,] inspired by the number of Indian families with two-wheeled rather than four-wheeled vehicles.[ The Nano's development has been tempered[clarification needed] by the company's success in producing the low cost 4 wheeled Ace truck in May 2005.
Contrary to speculation that the car might be a simple four-wheeled auto rickshaw, The Times of India reported the vehicle is "a properly designed and built car". The Chairman is reported to have said, "It is not a car with plastic curtains or no roof — it's a real
To achieve its design goals, Tata refined the manufacturing process, emphasized innovation and sought new design approaches from suppliers. The car was designed at Italy's Institute of Development in Automotive Engineering — with Ratan Tata requesting certain changes, such as the elimination of one of two windscreen wipers. Some components of the Nano are made in Germany by Bosch, such as Fuel Injection, brake system, Value Motronic ECU, ABS and other technologies.
The Nano has 21% more interior space and an 8% smaller exterior compared to its closest rival, the Maruti 800. Tata offered the car in three versions: the basic Tata Nano Std; the Cx; and the Lx. The Cx and Lx versions each have air conditioning, power windows, and central locking. The Cx has power steering, while the Lx has an anti-lock braking system.[ Tata set its The initial production target at 250,000 units per year.[citation needed]
Some of the methods Tata used to save costs were:
- The Nano's boot does not open, instead the rear seats can be folded down to access the boot space.
- It has a single windscreen wiper instead of the usual pair.
- Some exterior parts of it are glued together, rather than welded.
- It has no power steering, except in the Cx version.
- Its door opening lever was simplified.
Price
Tata initially targeted the vehicle as "the least expensive production car in the world" — aiming for a starting price of 1,00,000 rupees or approximately US$2000 (using exchange rate as of March 22, 2009) 6 years ago, despite rapidly rising material prices at the time.
As of August 2008, material costs had risen from 13% to 23% over the car’s development, and Tata faced[citation needed] the choice of:
- introducing the car with an artificially low price through government subsidies and tax-breaks[citation needed]
- forgoing profit on the car[citation needed]
- using vertical-integration to artificially boost profits on cars at the expense of their materials industries[citation needed]
- partially using inexpensive polymers or biodegradable plastics instead of a full metal-body[citation needed]
- raising the price of the car[
Model versions
At its launch the Nano was available in three trim levels:[
- the basic Tata Nano Std priced at 1,23,000 Rupees has no extras and lacks padding on the A-pillars;[
- the deluxe Tata Nano cx at 1,51,000 Rupees has air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and power steering;
- the luxury Tata Nano lx at 1,72,000 Rupees has air conditioning, power windows, central locking and an anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- the nano europa, European version of TATA NANO
The base model will have fixed seats, except for the driver's, which will be adjustable,[clarification needed] while the deluxe and luxury models will get air conditioning and body coloured bumpers.[
- Photographs of some Nano models at the Auto Expo 2008 in New Dehli.
 Nano in yellow |  The interior of the Nano |  Red Tata Nano : standard model |  Rear of Tata Nano in yellow |
Technical specifications
According to Tata Group's Chairman Ratan Tata, the Nano is a 33 PS (33 hp/24 kW) car with a 623 cc rear engine and rear wheel drive, and has a fuel economy of 4.55 L/100 km (21.97 km/L, 51.7 mpg (US), 62 mpg (UK)) under city road conditions, and 3.85 L/100 km on highways (25.97 km/L, 61.1 mpg (US), 73.3 mpg (UK)). It is the first time a two-cylinder non-opposed petrol engine will be used in a car with a single balance shaft.[46] Tata Motors has reportedly filed 34 patents related to the innovations in the design of Nano, with powertrain accounting for over half of them.[] The project head, Girish Wagh has been credited with being one of the brains behind Nano's design.[
Much has been made of Tata's patents pending for the Nano. Yet during a news conference at the New Delhi Auto Expo, Ratan Tata pointed out none of these is revolutionary or represents earth-shaking technology. He said most relate to rather mundane items such as the two-cylinder engine’s balance shaft, and how the gears were cut in the transmission.
Though the car has been appreciated by many sources, including Reuters due to "the way it has tweaked existing technologies to target an as-yet untapped segment of the market", yet it has been stated by the same sources that Nano is not quite "revolutionary in its technology", just low in price[]. Moreover, technologies which are expected of the new and yet-to-be-released car include a revolutionary compressed-air fuel system[] and an eco-friendly electric-version[], technologies on which Tata is reportedly already working, though no official incorporation-date for these technologies in the new car has been released.
According to Tata, the Nano complies with Bharat Stage-III and Euro-IV emission standards[]. Ratan Tata also said, 'The car has passed the full-frontal crash and the side impact crash'.[]. Tata Nano passed the required 'homologation’ tests with Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).This means that the car has met all the specified criteria for roadworthiness laid out by the government including emissions or noise & vibration and can now ply on Indian roads. Tata Nano managed to score around 24 km per litre during its ‘homologation’ tests with ARAI. This makes Tata Nano the most fuel efficient car in India. Nano will be the first car in India to display the actual fuel mileage figures it recorded at ARAI’s tests on its windshield. According to ARAI it conforms to Euro IV emission standards which will come into effect in India in 2010.[]
- Rear mounted engine
The use of a rear mounted engine to help maximize interior space makes the Nano similar to the original Fiat 500, another technically innovative "people's car". A concept vehicle similar in styling to the Nano, also with rear engined layout was proposed by the UK Rover Group in the 1990s to succeed the original Mini but was not put into production.[] The eventual new Mini was much larger and technically conservative. The independent, and now-defunct, MG Rover Group later based their Rover CityRover on the Tata Indica.
Tata is also reported to be contemplating offering a compressed air engine as an option []
| Engine: | 2 cylinder petrol with Bosch multi-point fuel injection (single injector) all aluminium 33 horsepower (25 kW) 624 cc (38 cu in) |
| Value Motronic engine management platform from Bosch | |
| 2 valves per cylinder overhead camshaft | |
| Compression ratio: 9.5:1 | |
| bore × stroke: 73.5 mm (2.9 in) × 73.5 mm (2.9 in) | |
| Power: 33 PS (33 hp/24 kW) @ 5500 rpm[] | |
| Torque: 48 N·m (35 ft·lbf) @ 2500 rpm | |
| Layout and Transmission | Rear wheel drive |
| 4-speed manual transmission | |
| Steering | mechanical rack and pinion |
| Turning radius: 4 metres[] | |
| Performance | Acceleration: 0-70 km/h (43 mph): 14 seconds |
| Maximum speed: 120 km/h (75 mph)[] | |
| Fuel efficiency (overall): 20 kilometres per litre (5 litres per 100 kilometres (56 mpg-imp; 47 mpg-US))[] | |
| Body and dimensions | Seat belt: 4[] |
| Trunk capacity: 15 L (0.53 cu ft)[] | |
| Suspension, Tires & Brakes | Front brake: disc[59] |
| Rear brake: drum | |
| Front track: 1,325 mm (52.2 in) | |
| Rear track: 1,315 mm (51.8 in) | |
| Ground clearance: 180 mm (7.1 in)[] | |
| Front suspension: McPherson strut with lower A arm | |
| Rear suspension: Independent coil spring | |
| 12-inch wheels[] |
| Supplier [] | Product [] |
|---|---|
| Bosch | Gasoline injection system (diesel will follow), starter, alternator, brake system |
| HSI AUTO | Static sealing systems (Weather Strips) |
| Caparo | Inner structural panels |
| Continental AG | Gasoline fuel supply system, fuel level sensor |
| Delphi | Instrument cluster |
| Denso | Windshield wiper system (single motor and arm) |
| FAG | Rear-wheel bearing |
| Ficosa | Rear-view mirrors, interior mirrors, manual and CVT shifters, washer system |
| Freudenberg | Engine sealing |
| GKN | Driveshafts |
| INA | Shifting elements |
| ITW Deltar | Outside and inside door handles |
| Johnson Controls | Seating |
| Mahle | Camshafts, spin-on oil filters, fuel filters and air cleaners |
| Saint-Gobain | Glazing |
| TRW | Brake system |
| Ceekay Daikin/Valeo | Clutch sets |
| Vibracoustic | Engine mounts |
| Visteon | Air induction system |
| ZF Friedrichshafen AG | Chassis components, including tie rods |
| Behr | HVAC for the luxury version |
Speculated variants
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Besides the regular and conventional gasoline-variant[], the following variants are also expected:
Diesel
Together with diesel engine specialist FEV[clarification needed] Tata Motors is developing a 684 cc diesel engine for the Nano. It was earlier reported by media that Tata was producing an 800 cc Common Rail diesel engine.[citation needed] Wheelsunplugged.com reported that an anonymous source claimed a diesel variant would be available in September 2009.[] Diesel variant Nano will sell for Rs. 2 lakh (2,00,000 rupees).[citation needed] Nano will have the smallest Common Rail Turbocharged Diesel engine in the world.[citation needed]
Eco-friendly models and initiatives
Tata Motors is reportedly working on some very revolutionary and eco-friendly initiatives, some of which are personally-supported and appreciated by Mr. Ratan Tata. Other than their Gasoline engine, Tata Motors will offer following options:
Compressed-air engine
Tata Motors is working with a French firm on using compressed air as an energy source[] which is eco-friendly and revolutionary in itself for a car of such large-scale. The company has tied up with Moteur Development International (MDI) for this purpose:[]
Electric drivetrain or electric-version
Tata is also believed to be making an electric version of the Nano, called the E-Nano (reportedly with attached or sideby solar panels as well) which might well turn out to be the "world's cheapest electric car"[] which is more eco-friendly and has many enthusiasts and media for its support[]. It's supposed to be as cheap as the conventional gasoline version. Tata is making the Nano compliant with export market regulations[] and plans to export such a car worldwide, particularly to the UK and the rest of continental Europe[], the US[], and Australia[].
Economic Times reported[] that the "electric Nano" "would still make good sense for economic, clean and green personal mobility in countries around the world." According to the Hamburg-based newspaper, Auto Bild, the E-Nano would be built in cooperation with the Norwegian electric car specialist, Miljøbil Grenland AS [].
- Enthusiastic support
Tata Motors received preliminary enthusiastic-support in the media as well as in government circles (including Europe and other states) for the electric-variant of Nano.[] The enthusiasm is reportedly even higher than that for the petrol-variant[].
The Hindu quoted European Commission’s Director General for Energy and Transport, Matthias Ruete, as saying[]:
| “ | I can say that alike other nations, entire Europe is also eagerly awaiting the commercial launch of Nano. But keeping in mind the adverse impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) on environment, it would be advisable to have Nano’s electric version. I hope Tata (Ratan) is working on it. | ” |
Hybrid
Some news-sources state that "a hybrid version [of Tata Nano] is also likely, although it is not yet known whether the electric motor will be paired with a gasoline or diesel version."[] Other sources also favoured it and argued that "India needs Tata Prius [similar to Toyota Prius] and not Tata Nano."[]
Nano Europa
Tata Motors unveiled a version of the Nano mini-car called the Nano Europa at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. The car will be coming to mainland Europe and the UK. [] and will have a number of improvements over the standard nano. The Nano Europa has an increased wheelbase, a new engine and improved interiors and exteriors. The Nano Europa will be more expensive than the standard Nano with prices said to be around the US$ 6000 mark. []
Expectations
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According to one report, India as well as other nations, such as European nations[], have great expectations from the Nano and are keenly awaiting it, especially the electric version of the Nano[], making it in all probability the "world's cheapest electric car" officially on record[]. The car itself is expected to boost the Indian Economy as well as expand the Indian car market by 65%, according to rating agency CRISIL.[]
Others
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- Effect on Indian Economy
Economic Times quotes[]:
| “ | Tata Nano’s launch could expand the Indian car market by 65%, according to rating agency CRISIL. The low price makes the car affordable for families with incomes of Rs 1 lakh [1,00,000] per annum, the agency said. The increase in the market is expected to push up car sales by 20% over the previous year. “The unveiling of Tata Nano, the cheapest car in the world, triggers an important event in the car market. Based on the statement by company officials, CRISIL Research estimates the consumer price of the car at around Rs 1.3 lakh. This brings down the cost of ownership of an entry level car in India by 30%,” the company said in a report. | ” |
Thus, the Indian Economy is expected to remain strong and grow in 2008 and beyond, despite the temporary financial turmoil in the US, because the car may lead to a boost in other sectors of the Indian Economy besides the auto-market.
However, due to the current Singur land dispute, the "Stalled Car Factory" is "Costing Jobs, Splitting Neighbors in West Bengal"[]
VOANews quotes[]:
| “ | Tata's problems in West Bengal are scaring off other industries hoping to locate here, including Infosys, a software maker that wants to build a business park that would provide 5,000 jobs. Kartik Chandra Malik, 57, runs a tea shop near the boundary wall of Tata's Nano factory. He says he is frustrated that the factory has been stopped. He says wants it to open, because when it is open he can do more business selling tea and biscuits. He is hoping his son, who just graduated from college, will get a good job at the factory. Many of Malik's neighbors in Barispada are tight-lipped when it comes to talking about Tata's troubles. There is growing tension in the villages near the Tata factory as the protests continue and the plant remains closed. The Tata crisis pits neighbors against each other. Malik says many of his neighbors are being pressured by opposition groups to protest against the carmaker. But many here already have jobs lined up at the factory or hope to. A young man at Malik's tea shop said he got a job loading trucks at the Tata plant. For that, many of neighbors have called him a traitor. | ” |
- Guinness Book of World Records
| “ | The ambitious Nano car has not rolled out of the assembly line of the makers Tata's plants yet. But it is already in the Guinness book as the world's cheapest car. | ” |
- Comparison with Model T
Some news-sources have compared Ratan Tata's Tata Nano with Henry Ford's Model T that coincidentally was built around a century ago. Livemint said[]:
| “ | Ford Motor Co. is rich because Henry Ford used the assembly-line to produce the Model T in 1908. Ratan Tata is a late entrepreneur, making the Nano in 2008. India is 100 years behind. But we are waking up to the possibility of catching up. I just hope our planners wake up soon. | ” |
Times of India mentioned[]:
| “ | This raises the question: How have the Tatas accomplished such a task? Pursuing this question a fascinating story unfolds that reminds one of Henry Ford's Model T that was built exactly one hundred years ago (September 1908). Ford wanted to make a car for the multitude, not for the elite, with the best material and the best design that the technology of his time could devise, and he wanted to make it, above all, at a price that was affordable. This is the example that Ratan Tata has followed with determination. When he announced the price of his car in an interview to the ‘Financial Times’ during the Geneva Motor Show, his colleagues were 'aghast', but he had set his goal. |
