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* No [[power steering]], unnecessary due to its light weight<ref name=spiegel/>
* No [[power steering]], unnecessary due to its light weight<ref name=spiegel/>
* Three [[lug nut]]s on the wheels instead of the usual four<ref name=bsmotor>[http://www.bsmotoring.com/storypage.php?autono=1002 Tata Nano - Nano second to none!] bsmotoring.com, April 12, 2009.</ref>
* Three [[lug nut]]s on the wheels instead of the usual four<ref name=bsmotor>[http://www.bsmotoring.com/storypage.php?autono=1002 Tata Nano - Nano second to none!] bsmotoring.com, April 12, 2009.</ref>
* Only one [[wing mirror]]<ref name=spiegel/>
* No radio or CD player<ref name=spiegel/>
* No radio or CD player<ref name=spiegel/>
* No airbags in basic model<ref name=spiegel/>
* No airbags in basic model<ref name=spiegel/>

Revision as of 09:15, 25 April 2011

Tata Nano
Overview
ManufacturerTata Motors
Also calledone-lakh car
Production2008–present
AssemblyPantnagar, Uttarkhand, India[1]
Charodi, Gujarat, India (since June 2010)[2]
DesignerGirish Wagh, Justin Norek of Trilix, Pierre Castinel[3]
Body and chassis
ClassCity car
Kei car
Body style4-door
LayoutRR layout
Powertrain
Engine2 cylinder SOHC petrol Bosch multi-point fuel injection (single injector) all aluminium 624 cc (38 cu in)
Transmission4 speed synchromesh with overdrive in 4th
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,230 mm (87.8 in)[4]
Length3,099 mm (122.0 in)[4]
Width1,495 mm (58.9 in)[4]
Height1,652 mm (65.0 in)[4]
Kerb weight600 kg (1,300 lb)–635 kg (1,400 lb)[4]

The Tata Nano is an inexpensive, rear-engined, four-passenger city car built by the Indian company Tata Motors and is aimed primarily at the Indian domestic market.

Tata Motors began selling its "one-lakh car" in March, 2009.[5] The cheapest car in the world today,[6] though the price continues to rise[7] due to increasing material costs.[8] Its nickname, "one-lakh car" is due to the Nano's price point, near ₹100,000 (one lakh rupees).

In 2008 the Financial Times reported: "if ever there were a symbol of India’s ambitions to become a modern nation, it would surely be the Nano, the tiny car with the even tinier price-tag. A triumph of homegrown engineering, the... Nano encapsulates the dream of millions of Indians groping for a shot at urban prosperity."[9] "Homegrown engineering" is a relative term here as much of the systems and parts used in the Nano may not have been developed or produced in India.[10]

History

Seeing an opportunity in the great number of Indian families with two-wheeled rather than four-wheeled vehicles,[7] Tata Motors began development of an affordable car in 2003.[11] The purchase price of this no frills auto was brought down by dispensing with most nonessential features, reducing the amount of steel used in its construction, and relying on low-cost Indian labor.[12]

The introduction of the Nano received much media attention due to its low price,[13] and the car was available to buy throughout India in early 2011.[14]

The Nano's development was foreshadowed by the 2005 success of the affordable, 4-wheeled Tata Ace truck.[11]

Expectations

Many have had great expectations for this small car,[15] some perhaps going a bit too far. One study, by Indian rating agency CRISIL, thought the Nano would expand the nation's car market by 65%.[16]

Singur factory pullout

Main article: Tata Nano Singur controversy

Tata Motors announced in 2006,[citation needed] that the Nano would be manufactured in Singur, West Bengal,[17] helped in part by a forced acquisition and reuse of farmland by the West Bengal state government[17] to entice Tata to build there.[17] Local farmers soon began protesting the forced acquisition of their land for the new factory.[18] As the protests continued through 2007 and 2008,[11] Tata first delayed the Nano launch[19] and later decided to build the car in a different state (Gujarat) instead.[2]

Design

A Tata Nano in silver.

The car's exterior was designed at Italy's Institute of Development in Automotive Engineering.[11]

Cost cutting features

The Nano's design implements many cost-reducing innovations.

  • The Nano's trunk is only accessible from inside the car, as the rear hatch does not open.[20]
  • One windscreen wiper instead of the usual pair[13]
  • No power steering, unnecessary due to its light weight[13]
  • Three lug nuts on the wheels instead of the usual four[21]
  • No radio or CD player[13]
  • No airbags in basic model[13]
  • 623cc engine has only 2 cylinders[13]

Price

Wikinews has related news:

Announcing the vehicle as the least expensive production car in the world,[22] Tata aimed for a starting price of one lakh, or 100,000, rupees. This was approximately US$2000 at the time.[23] As of December, 2010, the cheapest Nano costs around US$2900.[7]

Rapidly rising material prices[8] (up 13% to 23% over the car’s development time[24]) caused it to cost somewhat more than ₹1 lakh (US$1,198.20).[25]

In late October 2010, Reuters reported that prices will be raised by an average of 9,000 rupees (US$202) from November because of rising material costs,[26] and as of the beginning of 2011 the Nano costs ₹140,000 rupees (more than US$3,000).[14]

Model versions

Tata Nano Europa

At its launch the Nano was available in Indian in three trim levels:[25]

  • the basic Std priced at ₹142,000 (US$1,701.40) has no extras
  • the deluxe Cx at ₹171,000 (US$2,048.90) has air conditioning
  • the luxury Lx at ₹195,000 (US$2,336.50) has air conditioning and power windows

Europa

This export version of the Nano was first shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show[27] but has yet to go on sale. Heavily upgraded to meet EU safety and emission standards, the car will have a number of improvements over the standard Nano, including an extended wheelbase, a new 3-cylinder engine, power steering, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and an improved interior and exterior.[27] The Nano Europa will be more expensive, heavier, and less fuel efficient than the standard Nano with prices said to be around US$6000.[28]

Export

Export to other developing countries may begin in late 2011, and export versions will probably differ little from those sold on the Indian market.[29]

Technical specifications

The Nano is a 35 PS (26 kW; 35 hp) car with a two-cylinder 624 cc rear engine.

The car complies with Indian emission standards and can also meet European emission standards as well.[20]

Engine: 2 cylinder petrol with Bosch multi-point fuel injection (single injector) all aluminium 33 horsepower (25 kW) 624 cc (38 cu in)
Value Motronic engine management platform from Bosch
2 valves per cylinder overhead camshaft
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
bore × stroke: 73.5 mm (2.9 in) × 73.5 mm (2.9 in)
Power: 35 PS (26 kW; 35 hp) @ 5250 rpm[4]
Torque: 48 N⋅m (35 ft⋅lbf) @ 3000 +/-500 rpm[4]
Layout and Transmission Rear wheel drive
4-speed manual transmission
Steering mechanical rack and pinion w/o servo
Turning radius: 4 metres[4]
Performance Acceleration: 0-60 km/h (37 mph): 8 seconds[4]
Maximum speed: 105 km/h (65 mph)[4]
Fuel efficiency (overall): 23.6 kilometres per litre (4.24 litres per 100 kilometres (66.6 mpg‑imp; 55.5 mpg‑US))[4]
Body and dimensions Seat belt: 4[30]
Trunk capacity: 150 L (5.3 cu ft)[31]
Suspension, Tires & Brakes Front brake: 180 mm drum[4]
Rear brake: 180 mm drum[4]
Front track: 1,325 mm (52.2 in)[4]
Rear track: 1,315 mm (51.8 in)[4]
Ground clearance: 180 mm (7.1 in)[4]
Front suspension: McPherson strut with lower A arm
Rear suspension: Independent coil spring
12-inch wheels[32]
Supplier [33] Part/system [33]
Texspin Clutch Bearings
Bosch Oxygen sensor, Gasoline injection system (diesel will follow), starter, alternator, brake system
Continental AG Gasoline fuel supply system, fuel level sensor
Caparo Inner structural panels
HSI AUTO Static sealing systems (Weather Strips)
Delphi Instrument cluster
Denso Windshield wiper system (single motor and arm)
FAG Kugelfischer Rear-wheel bearing
Federal-Mogul Pistons, Piston rings, Spark plugs, Gaskets, Systems protection
Ficosa Rear-view mirrors, interior mirrors, manual and CVT shifters, washer system
Freudenberg Engine sealing
GKN Driveshafts
INA Shifting elements
ITW Deltar Outside and inside door handles
Johnson Controls Seating
Mahle Camshafts, spin-on oil filters, fuel filters and air cleaners
Saint-Gobain Glass
TRW Brake system
Ceekay Daikin/Valeo Clutch sets
Vibracoustic Engine mounts
Visteon Air induction system
ZF Friedrichshafen AG Chassis components, including tie rods
Behr HVAC for the luxury version
Dürr Lean Paint Shop

Alternative-energy engines

While the Nano is driven by a gasoline-powered engine, several more-radical powerplants have been proposed but not put into production.

Compressed-air engine

Tata Motors signed an agreement in 2007 with a French firm, Motor Development International, to produce a compressed air car Nano.[34] While the vehicle was supposed to be able to travel approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi) on US$3 of electricity to compress the air,[35] Tata's Vice President of Engineering Systems confirmed in late 2009 that vehicle range continues to be a problem.[34]

Diesel

A website has speculated that the Nano might be made available with a diesel engine.[36] Tata motors have not confirmed this but have stated, "As of now there is no Diesel variant of the Nano. The Nano is only available in a Petrol version."[37]

Electric vehicle

Tata has discussed the possibility of producing an electric version,[38] and while it showcased an electric vehicle Nano at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show,[39] no such car is currently on the market.

If an EV Nano is sold it is expected to be the "world's cheapest electric car",[40] use lithium-ion batteries, and have a range of 80 miles (130 km).[41] A Norwegian electric car specialist, Miljøbil Grenland AS, has been named as a supposed partner in the project.[38]

Safety concern

A small number of fire incidents involving the Nano were reported.[7] This led Tata to add safety devices to the vehicle,[7] although no recall was initiated and according to Tata, the car is safe.[7] Its safety is relative however, as the Nano has no airbags, passenger-side wing mirror, or crumple zone.

Effects

The introduction of a cheap, mass market auto such as the Nano is bound to have some unforeseen effects.

Safer Travel

Nano driving is safer than that of the currently used two-wheelers especially during monsoon, when heavy rains can make traveling difficult on two-wheelers due to wet roads.

Pollution increase

As the Nano was designed for a population currently using eco-friendly bicycles and motorcycles,[7] environmentalists are concerned by the increase in pollution that would follow a mass motorization in developing countries such as India.[13]

The Nano has lower emissions than the average Volkswagen, which is a much larger car.[13]

Indian used car market

The Nano is thought to have affected the used car market in India, as some Indians may opt to buy a Nano rather than a used vehicle. The new-car market is also being affected. Sales of new Maruti 800s, the second-cheapest car in India, dropped by 20% and used models by 30% immediately prior to the Nano's introduction.[42]

Awards

In the media

  • "Small Wonder: The Making of Nano", is a book on creation of Tata Nano.[47]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tata Nano.

References

  1. ^ "Nano diesel variant likely to have 75O cc engine". dnaindia.com. 2010-01-14. Retrieved 2010-02-22.
  2. ^ a b It's final: Tata Motors to pull out of Singur NDTV, Friday, October 03, 2008.
  3. ^ "Specifications of Tata's Nano". cardesignnew.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Official specifications for Tata Nano". Tata Motors.
  5. ^ "Automobile Industry India". Imagin Mor Pty Ltd.
  6. ^ "Tata Nano set to drive into Taiwan". The Economic Times. 2010-06-03.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Tata’s Nano, the Car That Few Want to Buy nytimes.com, December 9, 2010.
  8. ^ a b "Materials prices could push up cost of Tata's Nano". Motor Authority, 7 July 2008.
  9. ^ "/ Columnists / David Pilling — India hits bottleneck on way to prosperity". Ft.com. 2008-09-24. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
  10. ^ India’s Tata low-cost Nano took a lot of high-tech ae-plus.com, March 2008
  11. ^ a b c d "The Next People's Car". Yahoo Finance. 2007-04-17. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
  12. ^ Tata Nano - world's cheapest new car is unveiled in India timesonline.co.uk, January 11, 2008
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h Der Spiegel Online: India Delivers World's Cheapest Car spiegel.de, 01/11/2008.
  14. ^ a b Tata Nano Goes on Sale Across India as Warranties Revive Demand businessweek.com, January 03, 2011, 8:40 PM EST
  15. ^ "National : Europe awaiting Nano car's electric version". The Hindu. 2008-09-14. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
  16. ^ "Tata Nano may expand market by 65%: CRISIL- Automobiles-Auto-News By Industry-News-The Economic Times". Economictimes.indiatimes.com. 2008-01-12. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
  17. ^ a b c The Economist August 30, 2008 edition. U.S. Edition. "Nano wars". Page 63.
  18. ^ Villagers raise slogans against car company hindu.com, Friday, May 26, 2006
  19. ^ Rain, political unrest delay Tatas' dream car rediff.com, August 03, 2007 03:04 IST
  20. ^ a b "How Green is a Mini?". Newsweek.com. January 10, 2008. Retrieved 2010-06-05.
  21. ^ Tata Nano - Nano second to none! bsmotoring.com, April 12, 2009.
  22. ^ Oconnor, Ashling (2008-01-11). "Tata Nano — world's cheapest new car is unveiled in India". driving.timesonline.co.uk. London. Retrieved 2008-01-21.
  23. ^ "Tata unveils Nano, its $2,500 car". MSN. 10 January 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-11.
  24. ^ Nelson Ireson (2008-08-05). "Rising costs could eat Tata Nano's profits". Motor Authority, Tuesday 5 August 2008.
  25. ^ a b "Tata Nano". cardekho.com. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
  26. ^ Ami Shah (2010-10-29). "Tata Motors says raises Nano prices by 9,000 rupees". Reuters.
  27. ^ a b Tata unveils a Nano for Europe autonews.com, March 4, 2009 06:01 CET.
  28. ^ "Tata Nano Europa &raquo Australian Car Advice | News Blog". Caradvice.com.au. 2009-03-04. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
  29. ^ Tata Motors May Start Exporting Nano Minicar by December kompas.com, 17 March 2011 | 13:59 WIB
  30. ^ Ruth David (January 10, 2008). "Tata Unveils The Nano, Its $2,500 Car". Forbes.com.
  31. ^ "Nano Mania". Autocar India. February 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-04-27. Retrieved 2008-02-05.
  32. ^ "India's £1,250 car". autoexpress.co.uk. Retrieved 2008-01-14.
  33. ^ a b "India's Tata low-cost Nano took a lot of high-tech". ae-plus.
  34. ^ a b TaMo’s ambitious ‘Air Car’ faces starting trouble dnaindia.com, Nov 25, 2009, 2:34 IST.
  35. ^ Hall, Kenneth (2008-07-10). "Tata Nano could come with optional air-powered engine". MotorAuthority. Retrieved 2010-08-29.
  36. ^ "Tata Nano Diesel version roll out by September 2009". 2008-09-15. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
  37. ^ "Tata Motors - FAQ for the Nano". Tata Motors.
  38. ^ a b "Tata plans E-Nano, electric version of Rs1-lakh car". domain-b.com. 2008-08-20. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
  39. ^ "World's cheapest EV: Tata Nano electrifies Geneva show". USA Today. 2010-03-04.
  40. ^ "Let Tata's Nano be electric". Merinews.com. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
  41. ^ "World's cheapest EV: Tata Nano electrifies Geneva show - Drive On: A conversation about the cars and trucks we drive - USATODAY.com". Content.usatoday.com. 2010-03-04. Retrieved 2010-08-29.
  42. ^ "Nanomania overwhelms Indian car market". Autocar.co.uk. 2008-02-07. Retrieved 2008-02-10.
  43. ^ BS Motoring Jury Award 2010: Tata Nano business-standard.com, December 26, 2009, 0:21 IST.
  44. ^ fe Bureaus (Monday, Jan 18, 2010 at 2317 hrs IST). "Nano, Pulsar among winners of Bloomberg UTV-Autocar awards". Financialexpress.com. Retrieved 2010-02-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  45. ^ "Edison Awards 2010 honoring innovation in the development and launch of new products and services". Edisonawards.com. 2010-04-02. Retrieved 2010-10-17.
  46. ^ "Tata Nano shines! Wins global design award - Rediff.com Business". Rediff.com. 2010-01-05. Retrieved 2010-12-23.
  47. ^ Ratan Tata didn’t want Nano stitched like shirt around button: Book dnaindia.com, Sunday, Oct 31, 2010, 13:36 IST.
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