Archive for the ‘Tata Nano’ Category

Tata displays Nano EV at Geneva Motor Show!

The Nano EV can accelerate well and has a 160km range thanks to L-Ion batteries

In a shocking incident, Tata Motors took the wraps of the Nano EV on the first day of the Geneva Motor Show.

Mr. Ravi Kant, Vice Chairman, Tata Motors -

Electrification will be an integral part of our initiative to launch environment-friendly vehicles. The Indica Vista EV will be introduced in select European countries, beginning this year. We will progressively introduce electric vehicles in all relevant markets.

The Tata Nano EV can seat four individuals comfortably. The range is specified as 160 km and an acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds is decent.

The Tata Nano EV uses super polymer lithium ion batteries just like the Tata Indica Vista EV.

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Entry posted on March 2nd, 2010 and filed under Electric vehicles, Tata Nano

Random Thoughts – Tata Nano

Tata Nano could teach school students driving manners and safety as it is easily accessible

True, the dream has become a reality. Kudos, to Mr. Ratan Tata and team, it is a great achievement to see the Nano. Honestly, before I saw the car, I was one of those people who was against the idea of seeing it on the roads. I was completely selfish in thinking – what a Rs. 1 lakh car? that’s more traffic on the roads.

I even agreed with the idea that this car would add to air pollution and other environmental problems (as its target customers are at the bottom of the pyramid – the masses). I do not turn my engine off at the signals, my aircon is constantly on and I have two cars. How can I agree to the idea that the Nano adds to the pollution? And what can I do about the traffic?, It is for the government to manage. I can only contribute by staying off the roads or using public transport.

After seeing the Nano, I felt like a complete idiot. First, how did Tata pull it off? The Nano appealed to me as one of the best designed and engineered cars from the Tata stables. Then the question? Why should I buy this car? for that matter why should any one buy this car?

*Let us stick to basics. I would not like to get in to the specifics of the Nano, there is much info available on that.

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Entry posted on February 15th, 2010 and filed under Tata Nano

Tata Nano to have world’s smallest CRDI engine

Tata Nano diesel will be easier to drive, but costs more

After completing the task of designing one of India’s most fuel efficient petrol engines, Bosch now has the diesel sipper ready for transplant into the Tata Nano.

Bosch calls the diesel engine “CRS 1.1″ where CRS stands for Common Rail System. Sources close to the engine’s development say it displaces 650-750cc making it the world’s smallest CRDI engine. The petrol engine on the presently running model displaced 623cc.

Another report in the media reads the Nano’s diesel engine will have a single cylinder and produce 25-30 hp but much more of torque making it easier to drive in the crowded Indian metros.

Bosch supplies front and rear drum brakes, the starter motor, alternator and the fuel injection system for Nano.

According to the company’s press release issued at the start of the Auto Expo -

India is witnessing a strong increase in demand for diesel engines. There are several reason for this rise in popularity. The diesel consumes 30 percent less fuel than gasoline engine, while common rail technology reduces the pollutant emissions of diesel engines, thus making it possible to meet strict emission standards.

Production of the diesel variant, according to a source, begins in the third or final quarter of the following financial year.

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Entry posted on January 14th, 2010 and filed under Tata Nano

Tata Nano stops by in Chicago on its way to Detroit Auto Show

Tata_Nano_in_ChicagoStudents and teachers at Judson Univ check out the Tata Nano inside-out

The world’s cheapest car, Tata Nano, made a two-hour stop at Judson University, Elgin, Chicago yesterday on its way to the ongoing Detroit Motor Show in North America.

The Champagne Gold Nano LX with licence plate number MH04 ED 7015, borrowed from Tata Technologies’ Centre for Advanced Engineering and Design in Pune was showcased to roughly 200 people who are associated to the University, community and the US government.

Almost each of them after getting a taste of the 2-cylinder 624cc city car asked when it would be available in the US. Many of them questioned accompanying officials on the safety and emission aspects of the vehicle.

The crowd was surprised by the interior room and some of them were heard saying airbags would make it to the US-spec version.

As Ratan Tata, Group Chairman holds a degree in architecture, the Nano was showcased in the architecture block of the university.

The Nano now travels to its final destination – Cobo Center in Detroit where it will remain on display till the 24th

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Entry posted on January 12th, 2010 and filed under Tata Nano

Tata Nano special editions at Auto Expo go unnoticed

Tata Nano For HerTata Nano For Him

The Delhi Auto Expo has drawn to an end leaving many of us with tired legs and pregnant minds. Most of us would have visited the Tata booth and glanced at the cute Magic Iris and well-designed Aria. While many of us would have taken stock of the off-beat hybrid bus and Vista sport concept, did anyone bother inquiring about the pink Tata Nano parked there?

There were not one, but two Nano special editions at the Expo

Called ‘Tata Nano for her, and for him’ the special editions are based on the top spec LX variants.

The ‘For her’ car is available in Cocktail Red, and features floral patterns on the door and bonnet. Inside, the patterns are also carried forward to the seats, door pads and centre console.

The ‘For him’ model comes in Wild Lime colour scheme and has leather seats and leather door pads.

Both models are fitted with stop-start technology, electrically operated front windows, air-con, fog lamps and stereo.

No prices have been announced. When Tata is struggling to keep up with the demand of the regular models, how could they pop out special editions?

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Entry posted on January 11th, 2010 and filed under Auto Expo 2010, Tata Nano

Tata Nano diesel and hybrid to be shown at Auto Expo?

Tata Nano electric diesel hybridTata could display Nano hybrid, diesel and electric at the Auto Expo next month

DNA India reports Tata could bring off-beat variants of Nano to the Auto Expo. The exhibits could be powered by a diesel engine and possibly hybrid and electric powertrain as well.

Tata Motors has confirmed it is working on the hybrid Nano and on its official website hinted it will offer Nano diesel in future. The electric Nano or E-Nano has also been doing media rounds since the unveiling of the car in the previous edition of the Auto Expo.

Tata Motors is believed to be working on several variants of the Nano including a half-tonne pick-up truck for short distance load hauling.

As we near the opening of the show, we’re definite that more information will be published.

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Entry posted on December 22nd, 2009 and filed under Auto Expo 2010, Tata Nano

Tata Nano rocks Fukuoka Motor Show 2009 in Japan

Tata_Nano_Fukuoka_2009The Delhi registered display vehicle poses to photographers at the show’s parking lot

None of the other 172 vehicles displayed at the ongoing Fukuoka Motor Show in Japan has made news on the Japanese newspapers. The Tata Nano proves the point again – affordable transportation does not mean boring cars.

The Tata Nano is one of the most talked about cars in Japan. The organizers of the event, speaking to the media, on the opening day itself, declared the Nano as their star exhibit.

The Tata Nano’s price is estimated around 220,000 yen. In comparison, the price of the cheapest car in Japan is around 600,000 yen.

Tata is presently focusing on the local demand, thought it has drafted plans to take this fantastic innovation to other countries. Tata could penetrate the Japanese market with a structurally re-engineered Nano. The engine and other specifications allow it to qualify as a kei car.

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Entry posted on December 15th, 2009 and filed under Tata Nano

Bayer Nano – The ultimate promotional vehicle

Bayer_Tata_NanoBayer’s Nanos have all sorts of paint schemes highlighting the company’s range

German company Bayer recently bought three Tata Nanos in Mumbai. Rather than taking it to the temple or visit relatives, they scooted the Nanos into a paint shop and covered the cars with all sorts of colors. This gives a distinguished feel to the vehicles and by all odds will grab everyone’s attention on the road.

Bayer will use the Nanos to ferry employees flying to India. On weekends the car is given to local employees for them to have fun with it. They allow them to drive their families to their favorite spots in Mumbai.

These Nano’s have been repainted to cool aqua blue and bright green, fiery red and multi coloured striped colours. It is not to everyone’s taste, but it serves the purpose of brand building.

Mr Gerlich Country Speaker, Bayer Group of Companies -

The Nano has been read about all over the world, and people are curious about it. When our colleagues and their families have an opportunity to use the Bayer Nano, it really makes them feel special. Besides, the car also uses some material from Bayer, so it is a win – win situation for both the companies.

Bayer is sure to magnet interest from wide and far for this move. Quick thinking and lady luck were at the same spot given the 2+ lakh bookings and up to one year waiting period for the little car.

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Entry posted on December 15th, 2009 and filed under Tata Nano

Spied – Tata Nano pickup truck

tata penguinMore details have emerged on the Tata Nano based half tonne pickup truck that will hit the Indian market next year. Codename Penguin, the pickup will compete with players like the Mahindra Gio.

It will be powered by 350cc one cylinder diesel engine. This is essentially half the cylinder block of the engine powering the Tata Ace, which itself uses a sliced Indica cylinder block.

The Nano pickup uses the same engineering techniques like single windshield wiper, 3 wheel lugs, scooped out dashboard and short wheelbase. The engine is also mounted at the rear axle, doing away with a propeller shaft.

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Entry posted on December 7th, 2009 and filed under Spy pictures, Tata, Tata Nano

Ratan Tata – Tata Motors working on hybrid powertrain for Nano

Ratan Tata conveys Nano hybrid will be cheap to buy and cheap to run

Chairman of the Tata Group, Ratan Tata, revealed a definite variant of the Tata Nano to a South Korean newspaper. Tata said the company’s engineering team is working on a hybrid powertrain for the Tata Nano.

Ratan Tata -

Low-priced goods would create stronger demand than high-end products in India, and the so-called low-price revolution would continue across the world

Obviously, Mr.Tata is trying to convey that the Nano hybrid will cost less, despite having a complex engineering side to it. Earlier this year, sections of the Indian media carried stories on Tata Motors testing start-stop technology on the Nano. If not for the shutdown of the Singur plant, we could have seen a lot more variants of the Nano by now. Due to the unfortunate incidents in the now defunct West Bengal plant, Tata can only produce limited Nanos out of their existing facilities, and they have clearly stated their concentration and efforts are presently going towards meeting the demands of the waiting Indian customers.

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Entry posted on November 30th, 2009 and filed under Tata Nano

Tata Nano won’t go overseas until local demands are met

Tata_Nano_dieselThe diesel and electric variants are coming up in the next few years

Though Tata Motors is having plans to sell the Nano variants overseas, it is looking at satisfying demands in our country first before taking its innovation to Europe, Africa or even America.

Tata Group Director Jamshed J Irani -

We are testing the waters, but we have no immediate plan to go abroad

Tata is apparently working on an electric powertrain for the Nano. This is apart from a 2 cylinder CRDI engine and a more powerful 3 cylinder gasoline engine. Tata is also planning to bolt start-stop technology to the Nano, which will enable it to return higher fuel economy figure.

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Entry posted on November 18th, 2009 and filed under Tata Nano

Three Tata Nanos catch fire; Should we even react?

Tata_Nano_rearHas the Tata Nano started showing signs of its dark side this early?

I’m having second thoughts on writing this article.. This isn’t the first time Tata’s initial batch of cars have shown signs of trouble.

I have witnessed a brand new Indigo XL, from the first batch of cars, arriving from production line, making a noise that scared the day lights out of me. The timing belt had cut itself loose. The same was the case with the DICOR versions of the Indica when launched, which too had its share of engine faults. Everyone knows the story of burned clutches on the Safari Dicor 3.0s. The initial lot back in 2005 had so many premature clutch failures, which, I’m told, forced Tata to order a retro-fitment.

The list isn’t ending there, as the Tata Nano has also joined the much-talked about roster. Why are there so many issues in the initial batch of Tata cars? Don’t they test vehicles properly before sanctioning them to the production line? There’s no point in making different kinds of vehicles from the production lines governed by shortfalls and failed procedures. Tata, I guess, isn’t willing to change this aspect in its cars.

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Entry posted on October 23rd, 2009 and filed under Tata Nano

In our dreams – Tata Nano Abarth version

Tata_Nano_AbarthTata_Nano_Abarth_1

The rife speculation on the Nano’s identity (as Tata or Fiat) in Latin America is still on as this drawing flies out of our good friend Chin’s scrap book.

He’s illustrated the Tata Nano Abarth version, which to some would mean stupidity. But hold your horses as more powerful engines, possibly sourced from Fiat, are likely to serve the Nano when it lands in Europe.

According to Ratan Tata, his company’s JV with Fiat is destined for bigger things. A possible re-look resulting in a wider scope will mean Fiat and Tata will not stop with just sharing engines and technology in India alone. Fiat could make a ultra-quick version of its popular Multijet engine line to suit the Nano’s needs.

Fiat could also strap the Nano with a super quick FIRE petrol engine and that coupled to the feather light body could make the Nano as quick to the 3-digit barrier as the Fiat 500 Abarth.

Wait, I don’t think the title agrees to what I’ve just said.

Better to enjoy the images.

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Entry posted on September 14th, 2009 and filed under Tata Nano
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