Tata Motors, one of India's leading automobile manufacturers, has launched the CNG version of the Nano compact hatchback. Known as Tata Nano CNG emax, this hatchback has been introduced at a price of Rs. 2.52 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). Reports suggest that this is an attempt by Tata Motors to revive the Nano model as it has not been able to register anticipated sales. While the lowest variant costs Rs. 2.52 lakh, the highest version of the Tata Nano emax has been priced at Rs. 2.77 lakh. The CNG variant cost Rs. 54000 to Rs. 87000 more than the petrol version, which comes at a base price of Rs. 1.65 lakh. Also, emax is a series of CNG vehicles, the first of which will be Nano, which the company plans to launch in the country. According to sources, Tata Nano CNG emax would be put on sale in Delhi, Lucknow, Gujarat and certain regions of Maharashtra.
Ankush Arora, Senior Vice-President of the Passenger Vehicle Business Unit (Commercial) of Tata Motors, was present at the launch. He spoke about the technology and the drive behind Tata Nano CNG emax. "At Tata Motors, the core philosophy behind the launch of every new vehicle is anticipating what our customers need and blending it with the best-in-class technology and design engineering," he said.
The new Nano runs on an efficient engine that comes with CNG and petrol bi-fuel system alternatives. Notably, according to company claims, the Nano emax is the best car in India with respect to fuel economy and carbon footprint. Sources have claimed that Tata Motors is working aggressively on the diesel version of Nano, which, reportedly, going through the testing process. Industry experts feel that CNG version has the capability of performing well in the Indian car market. Claimed to be most fuel efficient car in the Indian auto market, the Nano CNG emax is equipped with kit components that are of world class standards. As per company claims, there is a sequential gas injection system in the Nano CNG emax, which is calibrated with the Engine Management System (EMS).
The company, in a statement, said, "This allows the vehicle to sense when the driver needs more power and thus, automatically shifts to gasoline mode. Switching between CNG and petrol driving modes on-the-fly is effortless, thanks to a push-button fuel type selector. Additionally, the Tata Nano CNG emax can also be started on CNG and not on petrol like other conventional CNG systems." Reports have suggested that Tata Motors has worked extensively on this model by adding a number of features. The company aims at providing top quality air-conditioning, comfort, spaciousness and interiors. Tata Motors has also added a number of security features, such as leak detection sensors and interlock sensors.
Analysts and reports suggest that the success of the Nano CNG emax is absolutely essential for Tata Motors. Things have not gone as planned for the Indian auto maker as the Nano was not able to register sales figures as per anticipated levels. According to sources, Tata Motors expected tremendous growth from the Nano, when it launched the vehicle as the cheapest production car in the world. Initially, the firm wanted to sell around 20000 units of the Nano in a month, a number that it has fallen short by a long shot. Despite the discounts and lucrative deals, the company was unable to attract a high number of customers. To change this, the Indian auto maker has decided to alter its market strategy, something that Cyrus Mistry, Chairman of Tata Group, has spoken about in recent months. "We are focusing on making Nano a smart city car. We will introduce a power steering option, improve interior and exterior of the car, improve fuel efficiency and target young customers," he said.
Tata Motors, reportedly, seems to have elaborate plans for the Nano model in the future. With the constant rise in petrol and diesel prices, the company is hoping to bank upon the demand for alternative fuel. Ankush Arora, commenting on the same, said, "With consumers seeking alternate fuel options be it LPG, CNG or hybrid, we believe the new variant will fuel new demand in this segment." Incredibly, the Nano CNG has been launched exactly five years after the shifting of the Nano project to Gujarat from West Bengal.
