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?