The Hindu Business Line : Nano — a star at the Show

For a such a diminutive package, the Tata Nano manages to pack quite a wallop in terms of its ability to stir up passions, both controversial and, of course, ones in its favour.

The people who are waiting for it constitute both the huge chunk of the population that is yet to enjoy the benefits of four-wheeled personal mobility and the global automotive industry that is now wondering if they too can replicate Tata MotorsR 17; achievement.

And once again, two months after its first dramatic unveiling, the Nano was in familiar ground — at Geneva. In the midst of the naysayers and the awestruck, the Nano was sitting smug among competitors who are in denial and competitors whose eyes of open admiration belie the trepidation with which they now view the Nano’s prospects. While unveiling the Nano at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, Mr Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Motors, walked with a pronounced limp and was in considerable pain from the effects of all that travel during the last few months and possibly the metaphorical equivalent of backbreaking work that was needed for getting his dream project up and going.

The Nano that was on display at Geneva was the same basic, right-hand drive model that was on display at the Delhi expo. It also sported the same 623cc, rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium engine that the debut version had. A full-fledged, European version and left-hand drive version with all the mandatory safety and comfort features added is expected later.

CEOs of the global automobile industry trooped up to the Tata Motors’ stall to take a closer look at the car. CEOs of companies such as Aston Martin, Audi, Honda, Renault/Nissan and the Fiat Group came in to check out the Nano.

Charismatic industry leaders Mr Carlos Ghosn of Renault-Nissan and Mr Rick Wagoner of General Motors too came to get a look at the Tata ultra-compact. The Nano’s appeal at the show is captured by Mr Ghosn’s expression. While Mr Clive Hickman, Head of R&D, Tata Motors, thanked the two gentlemen for coming over, Mr Ghosn is said to have exclaimed, “I should thank you, this is really fantastic. This is what we should try and achieve.”

Mr Wagoner is reported to have said, “This is a benchmark kind of model. You Indians always make us think.”

Notwithstanding the praise for the Nano, Tata Motors’ backbreaking work has just begun.

S. M.

More Stories on : Cars | New Products & Services | Tata Motors Ltd

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page