After several months delay due to political factors, Tata Motors of India today introduced their “peoples car”, the Nano. The basic model of the 33hp, 2-cylinder car is being sold at the previously announced target price of 100,000 rupees (approx. $1,980 US), plus taxes and fees. Two higher priced models add such amenities as heating and air conditioning and power windows.
The Nano has achieved a certified fuel efficiency of 23.6 km/liter (55.5 mpg) which is claimed to be the highest for any gasoline-powered car in India and about 12% more efficient than a typical motorcycle. Carbon Dioxide emissions are a low, at 101 gm/km, as are Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, particulates and hydrocarbons.
As previously discussed the Nano will undoubtedly be a commercial success in a country where automobile ownership is growing rapidly but yet only 1 out every 1,000 adults currently own and auto. The Nano is affordable and a major step-up from the ever present motor scooters found currently jamming the nations roadways. Tata is claiming a “stupendous response to the Nano and hopes to increase production up to a level of 1 million units a year in India. However, it must be noted that Tata also has a $2 billion load due this summer for its recent purchase of Land Rover and Jaguar, which may slow new factory construction.
Tata will have a European model of the Nano available by 2011 and is reported to be considering exporting the Nano to the United States.
Initially the Nano was trumpeted as a safer alternative to the motor bikes which serve as a primary source of transportation in India, often overloaded with several passengers and baggage. But, will the Nano be a replacement for the family motor bike, or an additional family vehicle and thus increasing transportation emissions per family?
Even though the Nano is only 3.1 m (10.2 ft) in length it is still considerably larger than a typical motor bike and will occupy significantly more space on India’s already crowded roadways. Will the addition of large numbers of Nano’s result in increased traffic congestion and traffic “jams”, resulting in a significant overall increase in transportation CO2 emissions, and thus negate the advantages of a fuel efficient automobile?
Will the Nano be a benefit or an environmental disaster?
