Tata Nano: An auto dream that came true!

March 18, 12:07 PMAutomotive ExaminerKyle Busch

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Have you heard of the Tata Nano, an economy car manufactured in India
by Tata Motors. Yes, this car is inexpensive at only $2,500! So what does
this car offer, and is it something you might consider purchasing?
First of all, it is a car that frankly offers a big surprise to the auto world.

Why is this car different from most anything out there? The owner of
the company, Mr. Ratan Tata, based the car on his values of social concern
and responsibility. Social concern and responsibility? Isn’t that weird
stuff these days?

Well, Mr. Tata states that his goal is to be able to lay his head on
his pillow at night and know that he has not harmed anyone. And not just
no harm, but that he has not only helped the common Indian citizen but
drivers worldwide. With the Tata Nano, Mr. Tata has defined his values
and worked to put them into the Tata Nano. This is something other auto
executives will be called to do if they and their companies are to survive!

Ok, enough of the dreamy stuff, what did the Nano bring to the New Delhi
Auto Show? It brought crowds jamming the company’s exhibit three hours
before showtime. Oh, that is the New Delhi Auto Show – the Nano is also at
the Geneva Auto Show causing a stir!

The car is scheduled to go on sale this summer in India and then in Europe
a short time later. It is rumored that the car’s cost will be above $2,500 in
Europe to meet federal regulations. However, with the economic downturn,
look for the Nano to sell for close to $2,500 in the U.S.

The Nano is a rear-engine rear wheel-drive car with a 34 hp 623cc
aluminum two-cylinder engine good for about 50 mpg. Other features
of the car include a stylish contemporary look (it is about 10 ¼ feet long
and about 5 feet wide and high), the ability to transport 5 people, a single
windshield wiper and three lug nuts per each wheel. The seats are fairly
comfortable and the interior has a simple presentation with reasonable
fit and finish of materials.

Mr. Tata says that the Nano has passed India’s full-frontal crash tests and
that the car was designed to meet international front and side impact tests.
Presently, the car does not have front and side impact air bags, however,
Tata says that the airbags could be added for cars sold outside the Indian
market.

A Cornell University trained architect who personally assisted Tata to develop
the Nato said that Ratan Tata long vowed that he would make a car that would
be inexpensive enough so that Indians could trade in their motorbikes for the car.

At a news conference, Ratan Tata said, “A promise is a promise, and that’s
what we would like to leave you with.”

Well, with the Tata Nano, Mr. Tata can lay his head on his pillow at night
and know that he has done well.

So what will the Tata Nano eventually offer U.S. buyers? Well, a good
short distance commuter car that is easy to park, fuel efficient, and the
ability to move along at up to about 50 mph. Thus, the little Nano can
even commute between communities.

One other thing that the Nano will bring to U.S. drivers is a simple straight
forward auto experience.

Gee, we can sure welcome some of that! At least we’ll know what we are
getting!

Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site:
www.DriveTheBestBook.com.