But he admits to missing opportunities to make a big splash
Wearing his Tata Motors hat at a wide-ranging interaction with journalists here on Thursday, Ratan Tata stoutly denied his prized project — the Nano — had been a flop, but admitted to squandering early opportunities to make a big splash with the world's most affordable family car.
Though Mr. Tata is a year away from retiring as head of the Tata Group and the 2012 Auto Expo is the last he will attend as a CEO, there was nothing particularly valedictory or sentimental about what he had to say.
Questions about what he intended to do post-retirement and what his “to-do list” for his last year were brushed aside. “If I were to be run over by a truck tomorrow,” he said, “the products that have to be launched will be launched.”
With 150,000 cars sold in the Indian market, the Nano could hardly be called a flop, Mr. Tata stressed. “We never pushed it as a poor man's car, but as an affordable, all weather family car,” he said, blaming the media for creating a false image of the vehicle.
Tata Motors officials hope sales will rise smartly once the diesel version is launched.
Keywords: Tata Nano, Ratan Tata, Tata Motors, Nano Pixel, poor man's car
All we see is cosmetic changes, we need newer fuel efficient, alternative fule engines. Maybe Fuel Cell, hydrogen, Battery etc. Reva is a cool car for City, but looks bad. Mercedes A-Class Smart cars are great. You have plenty of smart cars in Japan
Although people put lot of expectations on nano during the time of release but it failed to make it. Some of the problem that act as barrier for nano is its appearance, low stability and auto engine. If they concentrated more on those issues it may definitely take place in people's heart
Despite all comments, TATA's NANO small cozy car is indeed a new thinking and innovation in four wheeler category and cost effective. If certain critical parameters are further studied and strengthened, this car can occupy a great space in middle class family option and can replace three wheelers for local transport in India and other developing countries. High quality service should supplement the product for a better public preference as a safe and economical transport.
Having driven the Nano for over 7,000 Km and also climbed the Kodikanal Hills with a trailer with 200 Kg load in 90 minutes, I can confidently say that this is one of the best cars you can drive in the city or on the highway. I only wish Tata Motors had targeted younger generation with few bells and whistles.
Diesel version is a unique Indian hangup and makes no sense for those who don't clock at least 25,000 to 30,000 KM per year. The CVT would be a great attention grabber. This beauty is only for those who want to feel the car as an extention of oneself. With 50 years of driving, I would say, it is a great car with one or two minor modifications sacrificing 2 km /litre on highway driving. It is as good as the Toyota DX 1.8 Automatic which I used for 14 years and much better than the Honda Accord which is a gas guzzler with technical flaws which Honda refused to accept or correct. Tata has a winner in Nano but target audience has to be changed.
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