Mr. Ratan Tata’s “dream project”, the one-lakh rupee car, Nano generated immense interest from eager visitors at the Auto Expo 2008 which was held in the Capital. For many, it was the first halt to see the little Nano bring alive their aspirations of owning a car. The dream vehicle has caused much stir in the Indian automotive market, where it is aimed to rank between high-end motorbikes and the compact car segment. Ever since its launch, the little wonder has hogged the limelight and made prominent headlines.



With a snub nose, a sloping roof and enough room for about five persons to squeeze in, this small wonder epitomizes the common man’s family car. At an affordable price of just Rs 100, 000/, Tata’s Nano has everything that you could ask for: a rear-wheel drive, 33-HP petrol engine that is 623-cc and an impressive mileage of 20 km/litre. That’s not all: the car is fully compliant with Euro 4 emission standards and other safety norms. Tata’s dream car will be available in three variants: standard and two deluxe models with AC.



According to Crisil, Nano can bring up to 65% more Indian families into the realm of those who can afford a car. The weekend at Auto Expo witnessed the highest record of keen visitors, who rushed in to Hall number 11 to see their dream come true. This most keenly watched car in the Indian car space generated so much visitor traffic that the pavilion had to be closed for almost two hours to control the rush. It was not just Delhiites, who rushed in for a sneak preview of the Nano, but also many tourists from other states and even several first-timers. After the Sunday rush, staff and security had to be teemed up to tackle the increased number of visitors.



Nano, one of the biggest attractions at the Auto Expo represents a Nano leap into the future. The world’s cheapest car would change the way the world looks at developing countries. Nano, the common man’s car seems like a symbol of India’s actual growth, poverty problems and the role of environmentalists who wish to curb this phenomenal growth in the name of environmental threats.



Attractive as Nano’s look and offering has been, the final verdict rests with the consumer. It is only after September that we will know how the common man’s dream car fares in the Indian auto market. Until then, its wait and watch!