Tata ramps up production of Nano to boost slow sales

Tata is cranking up supply of the Nano in India to counter sluggish sales. Until now, supply has been pretty limited with sales most months struggling to break beyond four figures; hardly the breakthrough expected from the widely hyped cheapest car in the world.

A new plant in Sanand recently came on stream and it has a capacity of 250,000 cars a year. The Nano hasn't been rolled out across India yet, but this week Tata launched sales in six new provinces.

In a bid to drum up disappointing sales, it's also launched a new finance scheme with 26 local banks with interest rates from between 8% and 20%.

The Tata Nano is just 3.1m long and has the smallest claimed footprint of any car on sale in India. Tata sells three trim levels in India: 

Tata Nano Standard
The standard version, in three colour options, single-tone seats, and fold-down rear seat

Tata Nano CX
In five colour options, with heating and air-conditioning, two-tone seats, parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes, fold-down rear seat

Tata Nano LX
CX plus complete fabric seats, central locking, front power windows, body coloured exteriors in three premium colours, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holder in front console, mobile charger point, and rear spoiler.

The Nano's two-cylinder 624cc engine delivers 35bhp at 5250rpm and 35lb ft of torque at 3000rpm. It's enough for a claimed top speed of 65mph and oomph to tackle a 30% hill before rolling backwards. 
 
Tata claims the 600kg kerb weight helps trim fuel consumption and CO2 emissions stand at a claimed 101g/km.

They've done nothing for consumer confidence, according to sources in India. But Tata says the problem has been isolated and they've offered upgrades to early cars.

All new Nanos sold in India come with an 18-month/15,000-mile warranty - extendable to 30 months/25,000 miles with the optional Nano Secure package.

By Tim Pollard