Bookings for the Nano draw to a close on Saturday (April 25) and indications are that Tata Motors will announce the final tally early next week.
Within industry circles, the general consensus is that there will be close to 10-lakh bookings, which will possibly make it the highest in the history of the Indian automobile industry.
Customers have a range of options for booking the car, be it procuring a loan from one of the banks associated with the plan or paying online.
Sources say that a “sizable chunk” coughed up the entire down-payment (ranging from Rs 95,000 to Rs 140,000) without seeking any financial assistance. This is particularly true for smaller cities and towns and possibly explains why a section of public sector banks handling the applications said the number of loan seekers was little to write home about.
Delivery pangs
“There is an enormous level of aspiration for the Nano, but potential customers are equally apprehensive about the waiting period,” sources said. The acid test for Tata Motors is timely delivery of the car.
There will be a draw of lots for the first one lakh customers, while only 50,000 cars will be produced this fiscal from an interim plant in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. It is only during 2010-11 that bigger volumes of over two lakh units can be envisaged from the Sanand facility in Gujarat. Till then, buyers will just have to grin and bear it.
It is also a happy coincidence that the Maruti 800 is gradually being phased out from 2010 for reasons of emissions compliance (Bharat Stage 4), even though this will only be in 11 metros.
source: thehindubusinessline.com
Showing posts with label upadtes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label upadtes. Show all posts
Petrole on High Demand by Tata Nano
One of the many economic trials suffered by Americans during 2008 was runaway oil prices. Remember paying nearly $4.oo per gallon for gasoline? Those days may be back, with a vengeance, sooner rather than later. My latest book, Bankruptcy of Our Nation, highlights the global energy crisis and America’s ever-growing dependence on foreign oil. In it I explain in great detail how our poor energy policies will eventually lead to massive energy price increases for every American.
Now an innovative mini-car from India may leave Americans struggling to afford fuel for their SUVs.
China has experienced staggering economic growth, has an insatiable demand for natural resources and, most alarming, wields an enormous population that desperately seeks to emulate the western lifestyle of over-consumption. This is an unfortunate combination for a world community running low on many vital natural resources and with no firm contingency plans.
Despite the economic slowdown, China still leads in the world’s fastest-growing automobile market. In 2008 the country produced an astonishing 14,000 new cars - per day.
Now another up-and-coming global power, India, is making news in the global automobile market. The country boasts the second fastest-growing automobile market in the world, and has been aggressively promoting car ownership among its citizens, seeking to quadruple automotive sales by 2016.
The primary obstacle to getting cars onto Indian roads has been price, especially for India’s poorer population. Last week this obstacle was all but demolished when Indian automaker, Tata Motors, announced plans to begin mass production of the Tata Nano. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the Nano is the world’s least expensive car retailing for an astonishing low base price of $2000 USD. That’s right, the Nano will sell for less than the cost of many extras on American vehicles.
Tata Motors made headlines in 2008 when it publicly acquired the luxury Jaguar and Land Rover brands from Ford Motor Company. The buy-out smacked of irony, considering Britain’s formidable colonization of India in centuries past. The world is, indeed, getting flatter with each passing year.
While price breakthroughs may be good for India, they are far from good news for western nations. Why? Because now many of India’s 1.1 billion citizens will soon be able to purchase their first automobile. This means demand for the world’s shrinking oil supply will increase exponentially as the Tata Nano, and similar vehicles certain to come along in the future, begin filling the streets of this emerging nation.
To say that western expectations of energy supplies have been unrealistic and, quite frankly, irresponsible would be an understatement. Apparently it will take severe constraints of energy supplies in the west before decisive action is taken. And then it might be too late.
Now an innovative mini-car from India may leave Americans struggling to afford fuel for their SUVs.
China has experienced staggering economic growth, has an insatiable demand for natural resources and, most alarming, wields an enormous population that desperately seeks to emulate the western lifestyle of over-consumption. This is an unfortunate combination for a world community running low on many vital natural resources and with no firm contingency plans.
Despite the economic slowdown, China still leads in the world’s fastest-growing automobile market. In 2008 the country produced an astonishing 14,000 new cars - per day.
Now another up-and-coming global power, India, is making news in the global automobile market. The country boasts the second fastest-growing automobile market in the world, and has been aggressively promoting car ownership among its citizens, seeking to quadruple automotive sales by 2016.
The primary obstacle to getting cars onto Indian roads has been price, especially for India’s poorer population. Last week this obstacle was all but demolished when Indian automaker, Tata Motors, announced plans to begin mass production of the Tata Nano. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the Nano is the world’s least expensive car retailing for an astonishing low base price of $2000 USD. That’s right, the Nano will sell for less than the cost of many extras on American vehicles.
Tata Motors made headlines in 2008 when it publicly acquired the luxury Jaguar and Land Rover brands from Ford Motor Company. The buy-out smacked of irony, considering Britain’s formidable colonization of India in centuries past. The world is, indeed, getting flatter with each passing year.
While price breakthroughs may be good for India, they are far from good news for western nations. Why? Because now many of India’s 1.1 billion citizens will soon be able to purchase their first automobile. This means demand for the world’s shrinking oil supply will increase exponentially as the Tata Nano, and similar vehicles certain to come along in the future, begin filling the streets of this emerging nation.
To say that western expectations of energy supplies have been unrealistic and, quite frankly, irresponsible would be an understatement. Apparently it will take severe constraints of energy supplies in the west before decisive action is taken. And then it might be too late.
BASF to supply innovativeness to Nano cars
BASF India’s Tata Motors Nano car project to provide products and solutions to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, and improve the overall vehicle design.
“We trust that to help customers be more winning for the company’s future strategic growth,” head and CEO of BASF India, South Asia head of PrasadChandran said: “As a effect, BASF is toiling intimately with our customers and strive to give tailor-made innovative solutions. BASF for Tata Nano venture in time spans of a very extraordinary meaning, because in this venture, BASF through geography, technical knowledge and the extents of considering in rank to get concurrently the extraordinary wants of Tata companies. ”
Development of products for the Nano car challenge is the need for Tata Motors tailored to the specific needs of its various solutions and processes. In the Nano project, BASF global network to form a concerted effort of many experts, has led to the birth of innovative programs.
BASF for the Tata Nano motor vehicle to give innovative results
With good cost-effective emission lessening results
For demonstration, BASF catalyst part Nano has evolved a catalytic converter to endow it to rendezvous present emission measures in India. BASF in India collaboration of localized professionals in the United States, colleagues, and finally to accomplish a good cost-effectiveness, and to rendezvous the release requirements. BASF in India, Chennai (Chennai) with a catalyst constructing facility.
Reduce vehicle burden to enhance fuel competence
Nano to use the plastic intake manifold Tata Visteon by the production and use of BASF’s Ultramid -based glass fiber reinforced engineering plastics. Intake manifold for delivery to the engine combustion air requirements, the traditional use of aluminum material. Ultramid in lieu of aluminum, 40 percent can reduce the weight of components to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, which has become the basic characteristics of Nano. From the design phase of the computer simulation study, the pilot phase to test the components, BASF, through its Plastics Technology Center for the Tata Motors to provide a series of development support.
Spice for Nano
The Nano motor vehicle, BASF amid the most significant addition to the body shade of color and gloss. Beginning in 1998, BASF has been for Tata Motors Indica, Sumo, Safari, Indigo and other automotive cover in paint enterprise models. At present, BASF Coatings has been picked as the Tata Motors Nano body-color, one of the suppliers.
“For this kind of Nano venture to give innovative yield, services and very fruitful method is mostly important.” Group vice head, BASF Asia-Pacific Automotive Industry Team Leader Mr Ouda, said: “Such ventures as the worldwide deliver procedure enterprise, BASF is very apparent advantages. BASF has in Europe, North America and Asia, the fundamental thought of some innovative motor vehicle manufacturers has deduced plastics, catalysts and coatings solutions. The intent of doing so, we not only deliver yield with a charge advantage. In show up, BASF close support with customers, integrated cost and recital attentions, the complete development of the most very fruitful solution.
“We trust that to help customers be more winning for the company’s future strategic growth,” head and CEO of BASF India, South Asia head of PrasadChandran said: “As a effect, BASF is toiling intimately with our customers and strive to give tailor-made innovative solutions. BASF for Tata Nano venture in time spans of a very extraordinary meaning, because in this venture, BASF through geography, technical knowledge and the extents of considering in rank to get concurrently the extraordinary wants of Tata companies. ”
Development of products for the Nano car challenge is the need for Tata Motors tailored to the specific needs of its various solutions and processes. In the Nano project, BASF global network to form a concerted effort of many experts, has led to the birth of innovative programs.
BASF for the Tata Nano motor vehicle to give innovative results
With good cost-effective emission lessening results
For demonstration, BASF catalyst part Nano has evolved a catalytic converter to endow it to rendezvous present emission measures in India. BASF in India collaboration of localized professionals in the United States, colleagues, and finally to accomplish a good cost-effectiveness, and to rendezvous the release requirements. BASF in India, Chennai (Chennai) with a catalyst constructing facility.
Reduce vehicle burden to enhance fuel competence
Nano to use the plastic intake manifold Tata Visteon by the production and use of BASF’s Ultramid -based glass fiber reinforced engineering plastics. Intake manifold for delivery to the engine combustion air requirements, the traditional use of aluminum material. Ultramid in lieu of aluminum, 40 percent can reduce the weight of components to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, which has become the basic characteristics of Nano. From the design phase of the computer simulation study, the pilot phase to test the components, BASF, through its Plastics Technology Center for the Tata Motors to provide a series of development support.
Spice for Nano
The Nano motor vehicle, BASF amid the most significant addition to the body shade of color and gloss. Beginning in 1998, BASF has been for Tata Motors Indica, Sumo, Safari, Indigo and other automotive cover in paint enterprise models. At present, BASF Coatings has been picked as the Tata Motors Nano body-color, one of the suppliers.
“For this kind of Nano venture to give innovative yield, services and very fruitful method is mostly important.” Group vice head, BASF Asia-Pacific Automotive Industry Team Leader Mr Ouda, said: “Such ventures as the worldwide deliver procedure enterprise, BASF is very apparent advantages. BASF has in Europe, North America and Asia, the fundamental thought of some innovative motor vehicle manufacturers has deduced plastics, catalysts and coatings solutions. The intent of doing so, we not only deliver yield with a charge advantage. In show up, BASF close support with customers, integrated cost and recital attentions, the complete development of the most very fruitful solution.
Yes OR No to Nano...?
The world’s cheapest car is making news in Bhutan. Not because it is affordable to the low-income Bhutanese who can finally fulfill their dream of owning a car. But for few bureaucrats who probably drive a dashing new Prado costing Nu 2 million fear that they will not find parking space for their ‘little’ prizes and increase the risk of accidents.
The talk of banning the import of Tata Nano defies all logic. It makes a mockery of the policy of equity and justice.
The ostensible reasons are that our roads and urban infrastructure cannot carry the large influx of Nanos. But have we thought that two Nanos can probably be parked in the space for one Prado? Isn’t the car that gives a mileage of 20 plus kilometres to a litre more fuel efficient and less polluting than heavier diesel vehicles? Isn’t democracy all about the freedom of choice? Shouldn’t our people be given the chance to own the People’s Car?
The import ban on Nano will violate the spirit of free trade with India. It would tantamount to imposing a non-tariff barrier unless Nano is unsafe and mechanically unfit for Bhutanese road conditions.
I am not against the idea of controlling the vehicle population in Bhutan that has reached about 41,000 out of which 24,000 or 59 percent are light vehicles or passenger motor cars. The average annual growth rate of all types of vehicles between 2006 and 2008 is 11 percent. The rate for light vehicles is higher at 15 percent and it is likely to shoot up with the import of Nano.
I believe that we should find other means to control the numbers, reduce the import of fuel and cut down the emission level rather than banning a specific model. The more powerful the vehicle, more fuel it will consume and more pollution it will discharge. The government should hence link the rate of duties and taxes on light vehicles to engine capacity and fuel efficiency, and raise registration, insurance and other charges with a commensurate increase of taxes on tyres and spares for such vehicles. The idea is to make it more costly to own and maintain a vehicle with higher engine capacity so that people are induced to switch to smaller ones. If someone wants a luxurious vehicle, he will have to pay more for it. Thus, affordability becomes the main criterion of buying a vehicle without the feeling of being denied to own any type. At the same time, the government will earn more revenue.
The government should also abolish the quota system and pool vehicles which in turn will reduce vehicle population. The quota might have been justified in the past but not any more. It is heavily misused today. It is also against the policy of equity and justice. The pool vehicles are equally misused by officers and staff defying government rules. The drivers’ ingenuity for siphoning of fuel and stealing spare parts can never be controlled. It would be cheaper for the government to hire vehicles from private dealers who should be encouraged to maintain good quality vehicles. The private sector will welcome this move.
The new policy should also lead to the improvement and expansion of surface transport in the country and introduction of buses in urban centres to give people an alternative.
We must improve the safety of our roads by adding clearly readable signboards, paying more attention to remove obstacles from roadsides and highways, widening stretches for overtaking, increasing public education on road safety and by enforcing traffic rules and speed limits more strictly. These measures will surely result in smoother, safer and pleasant conditions for driving.
These are the changes required to address problems of over-population of vehicles. Let us not therefore make Nano a scapegoat for our policy failure on light vehicles!
By Achyut Bhandari
source:bhutanobserver.bt
The talk of banning the import of Tata Nano defies all logic. It makes a mockery of the policy of equity and justice.
The ostensible reasons are that our roads and urban infrastructure cannot carry the large influx of Nanos. But have we thought that two Nanos can probably be parked in the space for one Prado? Isn’t the car that gives a mileage of 20 plus kilometres to a litre more fuel efficient and less polluting than heavier diesel vehicles? Isn’t democracy all about the freedom of choice? Shouldn’t our people be given the chance to own the People’s Car?
The import ban on Nano will violate the spirit of free trade with India. It would tantamount to imposing a non-tariff barrier unless Nano is unsafe and mechanically unfit for Bhutanese road conditions.
I am not against the idea of controlling the vehicle population in Bhutan that has reached about 41,000 out of which 24,000 or 59 percent are light vehicles or passenger motor cars. The average annual growth rate of all types of vehicles between 2006 and 2008 is 11 percent. The rate for light vehicles is higher at 15 percent and it is likely to shoot up with the import of Nano.
I believe that we should find other means to control the numbers, reduce the import of fuel and cut down the emission level rather than banning a specific model. The more powerful the vehicle, more fuel it will consume and more pollution it will discharge. The government should hence link the rate of duties and taxes on light vehicles to engine capacity and fuel efficiency, and raise registration, insurance and other charges with a commensurate increase of taxes on tyres and spares for such vehicles. The idea is to make it more costly to own and maintain a vehicle with higher engine capacity so that people are induced to switch to smaller ones. If someone wants a luxurious vehicle, he will have to pay more for it. Thus, affordability becomes the main criterion of buying a vehicle without the feeling of being denied to own any type. At the same time, the government will earn more revenue.
The government should also abolish the quota system and pool vehicles which in turn will reduce vehicle population. The quota might have been justified in the past but not any more. It is heavily misused today. It is also against the policy of equity and justice. The pool vehicles are equally misused by officers and staff defying government rules. The drivers’ ingenuity for siphoning of fuel and stealing spare parts can never be controlled. It would be cheaper for the government to hire vehicles from private dealers who should be encouraged to maintain good quality vehicles. The private sector will welcome this move.
The new policy should also lead to the improvement and expansion of surface transport in the country and introduction of buses in urban centres to give people an alternative.
We must improve the safety of our roads by adding clearly readable signboards, paying more attention to remove obstacles from roadsides and highways, widening stretches for overtaking, increasing public education on road safety and by enforcing traffic rules and speed limits more strictly. These measures will surely result in smoother, safer and pleasant conditions for driving.
These are the changes required to address problems of over-population of vehicles. Let us not therefore make Nano a scapegoat for our policy failure on light vehicles!
By Achyut Bhandari
source:bhutanobserver.bt
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