Designing a new product based on certain standards and launching it successfully are altogether two different aspects to be taken care of in a new product offering. This is where most of the new products, especially engineering products, falter and need rectification of error on constant basis.
Needless to say, Ratan Tata’s new engineering dream to see every Indian owning a car which is low on fuel consumption, hit a similar roadblock with a spate of electrical fires, faulty wiring and manufacturing defects even after adhering to strict safety norms and crash tests.
Well, that’s about its past. Now, that the technical defects are resolved; all attention shifts to mileage and fuel efficiency of the petit car. Even reports suggest that Tata Motors is planning to launch a diesel version of Nano which targets a higher mileage of 40 km/litre, rendering it as most fuel efficient car in India.
What’s more? This shall also fulfill Ratan Tata’s vision to shift masses away from bikes and upgrade to cars, with its new diesel variant expected to match the mileage of a typical 180cc motorcycle. The running cost of Re.1 for a kilometer of a car drive is something which none of us could have even dreamt about.
Now that the Nano has been positioned against 2-wheelers, it goes without saying that the competition revolves around the crucial ‘mileage’ factor and fuel economy of the car, which influences an Indian consumer the most. Nano’s petrol version gives an average of about 22 km/litre (in cities) but can go upto 26 km/litre on highway.
The Nano Diesel is expected to run on two-cylinder, 700cc engine without compromising on fuel economy; and being complaint with BS IV emission standards which regulate pollutants released by automobiles.
Nano is the largest-selling Tata model in India with its sales figures reaching 2,56,202 cars, 27% more than the previous year; coming on the back of prompt business recovery strategy led by increased promotional efforts, additional tie-ups with finance institutions to facilitate fast-track loans to borrowers, new comprehensive maintenance contract at just Rs.99 for all new buyers of the car and an extended warranty on Nano to 4 years or 60,000 kms, which ever is earlier, at no extra cost.
At 40 km/litre mileage… I guess, most of the Nano detractors might have to eat their words, if safety aspect is taken care of by Tata Motors. What say?