The rise of India as a genuinely industrial nation has taken many of us by surprise, but a great deal of its companies are showing a great talent for making money – not only in their own nation but in developed countries around the world. One such success story is that of the Tata Motor Group, which in Britain is best known for buying Jaguar Land Rover. But far from prestige automotive brands, they are perhaps more famous for their ultra-affordable cars.
One such motor is the Nano, which, having been launched in 2009, has taken India by storm. But given the looks of this tiny little vehicle, the fear that it could be susceptible to car breakdown might be on the minds of some Indian motorists. And given the way some Indians drive, you’d be forgiven for thinking that anything but the most robust car would be useless in such a country.
But at $3,000, the Tata Motor Company have made the world’s cheapest production car, enabling thousands of Indian families to get on the road for the first time. And it’s doing well.
But if everyone in India starts driving Tata Nanos all day long, how is this going to impact on the environment? It is certainly a worry, with such a burgeoning economy and accompanying middle class, India is only going to consume more and more. But, just like the UK took its opportunity to become rich in the industrial revolution, so it is only fair India enjoys a better lifestyle too.
I just hope they bring out the electric version of the Nano soon, before the ozone layer is destroyed completely!