The Indian industrialist, Ratan Tata has achieved which others only promised for years. He kept his promise. He brought out a “dream come true” four wheeler at the rate of a two-wheeler. The dream car is called Nano, rightly so in the current world of nano-technology. The car will be priced at Rupees one lakh (US$2500), the cheapest ever for a new four wheeler in India which can be afforded by a lower middle class family. He said that the image of the man on a scooter – the elder kid standing in front of the driver-father and the wife riding pillion with a baby on her lap, prompted him to design a small car for the family.
The engine, placed horizontally at the rear is a 623cc twin-cylinder SOHC unit featuring multi-point fuel injection with about 34bhp on tap and anti-vibe balancer shaft. A lot of weight saving measures, in terms of design and material selection were taken to get good fuel efficiency (20 kmpl) and speed (105kmph). The engine drives the rear wheels via a four speed transaxle. The world will now look seriously at the Indian capability in manufacturing technology.
Mr. Tata indicated that there was lot of resistance against the small car by the vested interests. Competitors scoffed at the idea. Besides, there are other issues such as crowded roads in cities like Mumbai city where there are about 8 lakh two-wheelers and 4.36 lakhs four-wheelers criss-crossing 1900 km of the roads. The reduced price will encourage rich to buy multiple cars (for each family member and also for servants) putting a lot of constraint on the limited parking space. Already there is no walking space for pedestrians due to haphazard parking on road sides. Road accidents are increasing by the day. Increased pollution levels in the cities will only enhance the global warming concerns. Nano is the car for smaller cities and towns in India and for EXPORTS. Three Cheers to all concerned.
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