In the first 11 months this year, Tata has sold less than 20,000 cars, which is coincidentally the monthly production capacity of their plant in Sanand, which produces Nano. The reason for failure, according to experts, the very strategy adopted by Tata Motors in promoting the Nano as the ‘World’s Cheapest Car’.
Tata Motors invested heavily in the Nano project with over $1 billion pumped in for this project. But the returns have been far from expectations. Even when some say Tata should kill the Nano, the maker himself thinks otherwise.
Tata Motors is working on three different variants of Nano which are expected to make their debut in the months ahead. The first is, Nano Twist. This version of Nano comes with electric power steering, enhanced interiors and lower noise, vibrations and harshness. The second is Nano Diesel with an 800cc engine. This will come with a two cylinder engine and deliver average of about 35 kmpl.
The third will be a powerful petrol variant, Nano Plus. It will be fitted with a 3 cylinder 1 liter engine. It will also have disc brakes, bucket seats, improved Air Conditioning and new instrument cluster, new dashboard, on the outside, you will see new LED headlamps, fog lamps and new bonnet design.
While Nano was initially priced at Rs 1 lakh, today it is sold at a price of about Rs 1.5 lakh, ex-showroom. The new range of Nano’s will be a little expensive, and is expected to be priced from INR 1.75 lakhs to INR 3.25 lakhs. They will come in with five trim levels and four engine options to include two petrol, one diesel and one CNG. Power steering and all round better features is what the company is banking on to see more results this time round. (source)
