Although getting official over a year ago, missing its original production plan and eventually hitting a wall with respect to production, Tata's long-awaited Nano vehicle is set to take to the streets this July. That's Indian streets, as a European version of the car is promised for 2011 only.

This car is very talked about since it's the world's cheapest so far, retailing for 1,980 US dollars. For this reason, the demand is set to far outstrip supply, the first 100,000 owners being picked at random. Hundreds of thousands are expected to put their name down for a Nano, including many previously limited to motorbikes or public transport, following Monday's formal launch.

 

"We are at the gates offering a new form of transportation to the people of India, and later I hope other markets as well," Chairman Ratan Tata told the media. Launching six months behind schedule and with production in the first year severely constrained, it will take over a year to deliver the first 100,000 Nanos to an otherwise subdued market.

 

"From the drawing board to its commercial launch, the car has overcome several challenges. I hope it will provide safe, affordable four-wheel transportation to families who 'till now have not been able to own a car," Ratan Tata said.

 

The first 100,000 Nano owners will be randomly picked from bookings made April 9-25, and their prices will be guaranteed, said Tata, who more than a year ago promised a 100,000 rupee ($1,980) dealer price. The basic version, excluding taxes, will still be 100,000 rupees. But once taxes and dealer charges are included, the Nano will be in showrooms for 112,735 Indian rupees in some parts of the country, while top-end models with air conditioning and other extras will cost close to 200,000 rupees, which will still be very cheap, in comparison with what's on the market at the moment.

 

A European variant will be launched by 2011, and the company is also looking at the United States as the economic situation has made low-cost cars even more attractive, Tata said.

 
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