Tata Motors is expected to produce around 100,000 cars in the first year and will ramp up capacity once its plant in Gujarat goes on stream by October this year.

Image: Ratan Tata with Gujarat's Chief Minister Narendra Modi after Tata Motors moved the production facility of the Nano from West Bengal to Gujarat. | Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

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Some companies think the Nano will replace the three- wheeler auto-rickshaw market, creating an alternative mode of commercial transport. Others believe the small car will wean away potential Maruti 800 buyers, convert automatic and gearless scooter owners and prove an attractive alternative to both second-hand car and premium motorcycle customers.

Text: Surajeet Das Gupta and Swaraj Baggonkar

Image: Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata poses with the Nano. | Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

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