Tata motors launches the Rs 1-lakh car, Nano

New Delhi: All set to replicate the success of another product that bears the name 'nano', Tata Motors has unveiled its ''people's car'', the Nano.

Launched by Tata Group Chairman, Ratan Tata, the launch was preceded by a walkthrough by the chairman himself, on the journey that Tata Motors went through over the four years it spent developing the car.

Equipped with a 624 cc engine, churning a power of 34 bhp, the car is 8 per cent smaller than Maruti 800, its closest comparison. However, internally the car is 21 per cent larger. The car will give a mileage of around 20 kilometres per litre of petrol, and conforms to all legislative requirements in force today.

The car has passed the full frontal crash tests that are mandatory in India. Additionally, it has also been designed to pass the offset and side impact tests that are mandated across the world. Needless to say, this means that the car will most definitely find its way into overseas markets.

On the issue of emissions, and taking a friendly dig at Dr Pachauri and his much publicised concerns about the impact of the car on the environment, Mr. Tata said ''Dr Pachauri need not have nightmares'', adding that the car conforms to the prevalent Bharat Stage 3 (BS III) emission norms, and will meet the Euro 4 standards.

On naming the car, Mr. Tata said the name 'Nano' was chosen, as it ''connotes hi tech and small size.''

Mr. Tata, said that since the time it was conceptualised, input costs of steel, tyres, and the other parts have gone up substantially. Announcing the price as the final point in his presentation, Mr. Tata said, ''A promise is a promise.'', and said the car will cost Rs1 lakh only at the dealer, not inclusive of VAT and transportation costs.