Small wonder

After a series of obstacles, which at one stage looked like they would seriously impact on the central idea behind the project — a low price — the Nano, Ratan Tata’s dream car is finally here. Tata had wagered not only his own company but his own credibility for the car that he promised would revolutionise transport in India, so it must be a proud day for him. But it also is a notable day for India and Indian manufacturing, because the Nano is more than just a car — it is a testament to Indian engineering and design.

It is significant enough that the car is supposed to cost just Rs1 lakh, though of course the final price will be higher. That itself gives it a special cache, since at that price it becomes affordable to a large number of families who currently use a two-wheeler. Tata had said that he wanted to produce such a car when he saw families of four — two parents and two children — on a scooter, exposing themselves to the hazards of city traffic. For them the Nano would be perfect.

What is also more noteworthy is the aspirational dimension. To own a car is a dream for many and it signifies a move up in the socio-economic hierarchy. It brings prestige, to say nothing of comfort.
The launch of the Maruti 800 was a watershed event in that a cheaper and better-made car became available to millions of Indians; now the Nano, by being priced cheaply but still an engineering marvel brings comfortable transportation to many more.

It has been a bumpy ride for the Nano. The project had to be pulled out of West Bengal, which Tata had chosen as the manufacturing base, because of political opposition. The plant shifted to Gujarat but even while it comes up, the car has rolled out from other Tata plants, defying predictions that the project would be
indefinitely delayed.

Reservations have been expressed that such a cheap car could severely add to the congestion on the roads. This may well happen, especially in the larger cities like Mumbai and Delhi. But the answer to that is not to discourage or criticise the Nano but to create better public transportation as well as smoother infrastructure. Indeed, a smaller car is preferable to some of the big auto monsters that hog road space — and let’s not forget these are recessionary times, which makes this an even more enjoyable ride.