TATA’s one lakh car – pros & cons

The unveiling of TATA’s Rs. 1,00,000 car at the auto expo in New Delhi has made many raise their eyebrows, and also an equal number to frown. There has been a lot of debate on this world’s cheapest car from three sections of the society, viz., the lower-middle class, the environmentalists and the car’s competitors (majority are bike manufacturers in India). At this point, I had a very interesting discussion with my colleagues who are a mix of middle class and lower-middle class heavily taxed citizens of our country.

Following are the observations:
Pros:

Two wheeler prices are already soaring, hence majority of them would prefer TATA Nano over 150cc motorbikes
Though the petrol version of the car claims 20 kmpl, most would prefer spending another Rs.10,000 to enable a gas version of the car – cheaper and less polluting!
Any day, the car would be 60% safer than a bike on our city roads where the general rule of the thumb is to defy road rules
Ah well, better isolation from dust (debatable!), and protection from rain…most importantly preventing you and your clothes getting soiled by the nearby automobiles splashing slush all over you!
BLISS to rural India (it’s insane to leave them unpolluted and clean!)

Cons:

The cities suffer from increasing vehicles and shrinking roads, and TATA Nano would be a MEGA problem in worsening the situation further (unless otherwise the government does something to widen the roads, which is again a remote possibility!)
Dreadful – imagine all the auto-rickshaw guys switching to Nanos More charge per car, and more trouble for the road users as the auto guys are known for their stunts – the car being auto-like!
The Nano will be a goods carrier, water carrier, FOR HIRE – a car with multiple personalities
Pollution, congestion, and more pollution – a fact that cannot be denied!!!
The pollution and congestion will not only be because of more nanos, but:
1. Second hand car values drop and many could afford them
2. Drop in bike sales and the resulting switch to cheap cars

When most developed nations (at least European nations) are stressing more on public transportation, we as a (ever-)developing nation have got immense responsibilities on our shoulders in making our environment livable for our future generations. I would have been happier if TATA took a giant step in bringing in small cars powered by alternative fuel – just like air-powered car, or hydrogen and electric powered cars; really wouldn’t mind paying another lakh to keep my environment clean and green!

Now, who said owning a car gives you a status?

Tags: Environment, nano, pollution, TATA

10 Comments → Leave a Reply

1 Dream Car Blog November 17th, 2008 12:28H

The only con on this car
is the delay it is taking to lauch
i need one as soon as poosble
i cant resist
2 Busby December 9th, 2008 16:38H

Did someone already said that your blog is cool and very interesting to read?
You are intelligent in writing this good article.
3 ubiquit December 9th, 2008 18:25H

Thanks Busby! this is very encouraging Please keep visiting, and also you may want to subscribe to get the latest posts in your inbox!!
4 Used Cars Maine December 11th, 2008 8:15H

Oh my – that has to be one of the smallest cars I have ever seen. I wonder when we'll start seeing them on used car lots!
5 enggarseotest December 13th, 2008 4:58H

why can't I see the image.
i want to see the image.
I think, the most important think of owning car is for riding, not for a status.

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6 Abstriumsters February 26th, 2009 0:21H

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I will go to you.
7 Land rover May 8th, 2009 16:58H

I agree with you on this completely.visited your blog first time today.but will surely come again.

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