Launch of world's cheapest car raises environment fears
Tue 15 January 2008
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Tata Motors has launched the world's cheapest motor car at the Delhi Motor Show. The car will sell for less than £1500 and will be marketed in developing countries. Some commentators fear that it will lead to a rapid rise in car ownership and to an increase carbon emissions.
The four-door five-seater Tata Nano, which will go on sale later this year, has a 33bhp, 624cc, petrol engine at the rear. It has no air conditioning, no electric windows and no power steering, but two 'deluxe' models will be offered with additional features.
Tata Motors, India's largest car company, says that it will initially make about 250,000 Nanos and expects eventual annual demand of one million cars. Tata say the car will average about 50 miles to the gallon, so will be a relatively low emitter of carbon dioxide.
The launch of the Nano comes as India's domestic car market is predicted to boom on the back of the country's fast-growing economy and increased consumer wealth.
Billed as 'the People's Car' by Tata, the launch concerns some critics who point out that the car will lead to mounting air and pollution problems on India's already clogged roads. The German weekly Der Spiegel, for example, described the Nano as an "eco disaster". Western critics of the launch have been accused of hypocrisy by other observers who point out that it is people in the developed countries who have been responsible for most carbon emissions and therefore are largely responsible for the 'climate crisis'.
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