Tata Motors’ Plans for the Nano

[Andy]

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The United States and Europe can very well be the next target markets of the the Tata Nano, known for being the world’s cheapest car. In an interview at the New Delhi Auto Show, chairman of Tata Motors Ratan Tata said that they may sell the Nano in Europe by late 2011 and in the US by 2013.

“We also recognize there is a market not only in developing countries but possibly in the developed countries,” Tata said.


Tata Motors expressed interest in bringing the low-priced compact car in the US in summer of 2010, saying it will be in US shores after approximately two years. Changes that need to be made on the Tata Nano before it can be offered stateside include getting a larger engine and more crash test modifications, which Tata said the company is already working on.


Furthermore, along with selling it in developed countries, Tata Motors is also looking at developing hybrid versions of the so-called people’s car to be made available first in Latin America, in partnership with Fiat S.p.A.
A few years ago, Tata Motors acquired the American brands Jaguar and Land Rover and were criticized for doing so, but Tata brushed their concerns aside saying the acquisition was made for the long-term value it will bring to the group. Recently though, Tata Motors reported a return to the operating profit for the Jaguar-Land Rover unit after the new models were introduced to the market and cost-cutting measures were made.


Tata Motors unveiled their flagship model Tata Aria, the compact multi-purpose vehicle Tata Venture and the 5-seater conveyance Tata Magic Iris during the New Delhi Auto Show. The Indian automaker also showcased the Jaguar XJ luxury sedan for the first time in India at the said event.