Tata Nano will Now Go Through a Final Check

Tata Nano is now going through a tough phase. It all started a week back. It was a sudden happening. Tata Nano’s started catching fire one after the other and the Nano customers were in panic. But the company was not, which helped it to deal with the issue wisely.

The company, understanding the fire is caused by faulty combination switches, repaired the faulty Nanos. Except for the Delhi customer, Tata returned the repaired Nanos to both the customers at Lucknow and Ahmedabad, Tata also assured the customers that the car will no more catch fire.

This was a news that gave great relief for the Nano customers. It not only comforted the current customers, but it also reduced the fright of those who have booked and is waiting for the delivery of the world’s cheapest car.

Tata didn’t put the responsibility on anyone else but courageously took the blame. And now Tata has taken the initiative of taking the car through a final check before it will be delivered to the awaiting customers. They will under a final check particularly for any faulty switches.

As a protective measure, Tata will perform a pre-emptive audit check on both delivered and yet-to-be delivered Nanos.

Tata Indica Vista Electric Vehicle SKD kits to be shipped to Norway

Tata Indica Vista EV (Electric Vehicle) which runs on lithium-ion batteries becomes India's second electric car export to the world - the first has been REVA G-Wiz

According to the Tata communique, the Indica Vista EV is capable of carrying four individuals, is much peppier than its petrol and diesel counterparts and is going to have a maximum speed of 151 km/hour, acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds, maximum power of 55 kw at 4,000 rpm and 190 Nm of torque.

While Tata Motors discussions with the British government about the Vista EV launch has not made much progress for reasons of confirmatory UK government support, the Norway government has been instrumental in allowing Tatas to set up an assenmbling plant in their country. Sicne the project has reached its completiopn, Tata Motors is soon going to export semi-knocked down kits of the electric version of Indica Vista. According to media reports India’s largest vehiclemaker has earmarked Rs. 160 crore for the electric car project in Norway andplans to scale it up later for other Scandinavian markets.

It may be recalled that Tata Motors, on 3rd March 09, has displayed the electric version of Indica Vista, christened as Indica Vista EV, at the 79th Geneva Motor Show. The Indica Vista EV has been designed and developed by Tata Motors' UK subsidiary, Tata Motors European Technical Centre.

Tata Motors’ electric vehicles will be produced in association with Miljo Grenland / Innovasjon, Norway. Tata Motors’ UK subsidiary, Tata Motors European Technical Centre plc, has a 70 per cent stake in Miljo.

EMI Provokes Nano Cancellations

Tata Motors has completed allotting the first one lakh Nano in July. Some 55,000 people were named 'retainees' whose booking amounts Tata Motors had retained, promising to pay them interest at the rate of 8.75%.

Currently, it has been noticed that people are cancelling their allotted cars citing the high EMI's the banks are charging on the cars than the usual EMI's.

Central Bank of India received around 9,200 applications for the Tata Nano, of which 7,200 people got their allotments. However, 4,700 applicants are yet to get their cars only in 2011, and a majority of them have opted out according to an official with the bank.

People are being deterred by the huge gap the actual car delivery date and the start of the EMI installments. This is because people are asked to pay the EMIs on the booking amount (between Rs 95,000 and Rs 1,40,000, depending on the model, and the interest paid thereon at the rate of 10%-10.5%) start a month after allotment.

It has been revealed that more "than 60-65% of the 5,000 people" who applied for the car through Union Bank of India have either not got allotment or chosen not to take it.

The Nano is being manufactured at the Pantnagar facility of Tata Motors, which has an annual capacity of 50,000 units. It is apprehended that once the Sanand plant in Gujarat is completed, the company will manufacture 350,000 units a year.

Indicruz Xover To Cruise On Indian Roads

Tata Motors is all geared up launch its Indicruz Xover, the Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) early next year.

Tata Indicruz Xover is modeled on the Tata Safari platform and this MPV gets a bold cutting-edge look. The new Indicruz will flaunt sizzling exterior similar to the Innova from Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

It will come with a more curvaceous roof, mirror mounted indicators, large futuristic headlights and grille design with the corporate logo in the centre that will accentuate the front visage of the muscular car. The car will run on 17" alloy wheels.

The premium MPV will boast an extremely large cabin that can accommodate up to seven people comfortably. The beige interior will house all the amenities required for a comfortable and pleasant driving experience. The Indicruz Xover will house navigation system and safety features like Anti-lock Breaking System (ABS) and airbags.

The Tata Indicruz Xover is expected to borrow the Safari’s 2.2-litre DICOR diesel engine that can churn out a powerful horsepower of 138 bhp. But the engine will be setup different to offer better fuel economy and improved drivability.

The Indicuz Xover will be placed against the Toyota Innova and the Mahindra Xylo in the Indian car market.

Tata Motors Eyes Pininfarina

The famous Italian car design house and coach builder Pininfarina is up for sale. If things go right, our desi car maker Tata Motors will secure it. This will be icing on the cake as Tata Motors has recently acquired the luxury marquee brand Jaguar Land Rover.

The company Pininfarina is struggling with financial problems and is losing its influence and command over as one of the most successful car styling companies of the world. So, the decision to put it up for sale came as a part of an agreement to restructure the company's debt.

Currently, the Pininfarina family holds a 50.6 per cent stake in the company and has hired a bank to help it sell its shares. Indian car maker Tata Motors is a strong contender among its potential buyers.

One of Tata Motors’ contenders is a French industrial company called the Bolloré which is presently developing the Bluecar EV with Pininfarina. It has also been rumoured that Ford is also looking at the deal.

Tata Motors is in partnership with Fiat, which has its Ferraris and Maseratis designed by Pininfarina. So, the Indian car company is expected to have a better stand compared to others.

The car styling firm was established as the Società anonima Carrozzeria Pinin Farina in 1930 by Battista "Pinin" Farina. It has designed Ferraris and Maseratis and also other models such the Ford Streetka, Peugeot 406 Coupe, Fiat Coupe, Alfa Romeo Brera and Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin. The famous Pininfarnia has also worked with other major car companies like Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, Cadillac, Jaguar and Volvo over the last seventy-eight years.

Pininfarina also worked on the Tata Prima concept car that was presented at Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.