India emerging as new auto giant

With the motor industry around the world in the doldrums, there will be much interest in the launch of the low-cost Tata Nano. Tata Motors India has taken pole position in the new race to produce the world’s most affordable car, with the launch of the US$2 500 Nano (around R20 000 depending on the exchange rate) in March. The four-door, 600 cc twin cars are on display at Tata Motors dealerships around India from the first week of April 2009. Initially, the target market is the millions of Indians who currently own motorcycles. Since the unveiling of the Nano in January 2008, its web site has recorded over 30 million hits, and over six thousand interest groups and communities have been formed, according to Tata.