Nano-The People's Car

When middle class families in India want to go for an outing, they don't have the luxury of just jumping in the car, because the only vehicle they can afford is a motorcycle, (more like a scooter.) And even more ride bicycles or rickshaws. The rest travel on foot. But Ratan Tata had a dream of changing that. Using low cost materials and cheap labor, he was able to bring the sticker price of his amazing creation, down to $2,500. Yes, you heard me right. It's the world's cheapest car, and it's called the Nano, (also known as the "People's Car".)

Imagine that you are at the New Delhi Auto Expo, and the music from 2001: A Space Odyssey is playing loudly. Onto the stage rolls a small white 4 door bubble car. It measures 10 feet long, by 5 feet wide. With a 2 cylinder engine at the rear of the car, and 33 horsepower, it can reach a maximum speed of 65 miles an hour. Four large adults can fit in the Nano comfortably, and there are many colors to choose from. But don't plan on carrying a lot of baggage. With a very small trunk, there's just enough room for a gym bag. Tata proudly exits the Nano, and explains that this is not a prototype; it will be available later this year. The Nano is fuel efficient, low on emissions (by India's standard only) and most of all, affordable to Indian families who are longing to own automobiles. If an air conditioner is desired, there is a higher price tag, and a radio and sun visors are also extra. I forgot to mention that there is no side passenger mirror, and only one windshield wiper. (But hey, for the price, let's not get greedy.) The Nano does have seat belts, and averages 50 miles per gallon. Tata plans to also bring out a diesel version, with a possibility of an electric Nano, (though electricity is not readily available or generally affordable in India.)

250,000 Nanos will be produced initially, with expectations to sell one million annually. Even though it is a terrific price, most Indians still won't be able to afford it. The Nano cost 10 times more than the average Indian makes annually. But the market is predicted to improve greatly with each passing year, and even American auto makers are getting involved in India's small car craze.

There are problems though. First of all, Indians don't know how to drive. One young man purchased a Tata Indica, and promptly knocked over a friend. His brother gave it a spin, and hit a motorcyclist, who was, amazingly, not injured. However, the bumper on the car was dented. The roads are full of potholes, and no one gives much thought to traffic lanes. Never mind the occasional elephant in the middle of the road. (It's a good thing the Nano is small, because Indian drivers are constantly weaving in and out of barriers, scooters, rickshaws, and pedestrians.) Policemen are having a hey-day with the road violations and crazy drivers. (And you thought New York was wild.) This is not surprising, when you consider that the driver's test in India is simply turning on the ignition and driving in a wide circle. Exciting though it may be to own a car in India, many drivers are going back to their scooters because they are faster, in the backed up, scorching New Delhi traffic.

Without a doubt India has the whole world's attention, and everyone is wanting to know when the Nano will come to the United States. In its present form, the Nano does not meet U. S. safety or emission standards, and it is not designed for highway transportation. But it is adorable, and who knows what the creative mind of Ratan Tata will dream up next.

Sources: http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/tata-nano-the-worlds-cheapest-car/index.html
http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/NussbaumOnDesign/archives/2008/01/indias_new_car.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/11/AR2008011101998.html?wpisrc=_rssprint/outlook
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/01/09/automobiles/autoshow/01-10-INDIA-SS_index.html