After much
anticipation, reservations for the Tata Nano, the India-manufactured
car some automobile experts believe will be as influential as the Model
T Ford and the Volkswagen Beetle, will be available for March 23 in more than 400
dealerships in India. The Nano, billed as the
world's cheapest car and nicknamed "The People's Car," will cost an
estimated $1,945 or 100,00 rupees, the currency of India.
According to Tata
Motors representatives, full production of the Nano will take 1 1/2
years and only a limited supply of the vehicle will be available this
spring.
Ratan Tata, who conceived the car, said a European version
of the Nano meeting all European emission and safety standards will be available in 2001. It will cost
approximately 5,000 euros ($6,390 dollars). Distribution of the Tata Nano in the United
States is also feasible, but is not currently planned.
