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.