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Old 16th December 2009, 23:25   #1
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Nano : Star In Japan, Smithsonian... Making waves everywhere

None of the other 172 vehicles displayed at the ongoing Fukuoka Motor Show in Japan has made news on the Japanese newspapers. The Tata Nano proves the point again – affordable transportation does not mean boring cars.

The Tata Nano is one of the most talked about cars in Japan. The organizers of the event, speaking to the media, on the opening day itself, declared the Nano as their star exhibit.

The Tata Nano’s price is estimated around 220,000 yen. In comparison, the price of the cheapest car in Japan is around 600,000 yen.

Tata is presently focusing on the local demand, thought it has drafted plans to take this fantastic innovation to other countries. Tata could penetrate the Japanese market with a structurally re-engineered Nano. The engine and other specifications allow it to qualify as a kei car.
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Old 17th December 2009, 00:09   #2
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yeah TATA, take the fight to Japan.

But optimism aside Japan and Germany are probably the toughest markets to crack because both countries have in house automobile manufacturers who are leaders all over the world.

But nano does have potential to do well all over the world because TATA would definitely customize it to the local market and price it differently. And it still would be the cheapest car in every market. Now that's innovation.

Bottomline - Tough challenge but not impossible. May be after 2010..

Last edited by gshanky : 17th December 2009 at 00:11.
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Old 17th December 2009, 00:32   #3
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Tata will have to really work very hard to take its reliability and quality to Japanese expectations. And I think they already know that. Good for us, only if that translates into better cars for the domestic market.
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Old 17th December 2009, 00:46   #4
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Nano at Smithsonian Musium

Tata Nano is going to be on display at the prestigious Smithsonian Museum. Western media is comparing it against Ford Model T and VW Beetle, two game changers in passenger car industry in the past. Not small feat for a company in the developing world

Source: Press Release - Smithsonian Institution

Quote:
The Tata Nano, designed to be the world’s most affordable car, will be on view at Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum from Feb. 18 through April 25, 2010. Unveiled last year in India by Tata Motors, India’s largest automobile manufacturer, the Tata Nano is targeted to families who had not previously been able to afford a car. Billed as “the people’s car,” the base model starts at $2,200 in India and can accommodate up to five adults. A bright, sunshine yellow Nano will be on display in Cooper-Hewitt’s Great Hall, along with diagrams and a short film describing its concept, development and production.

The name “Nano” connotes high technology, small size and low price. This ultra-cheap compact car contributes to the world of affordable motoring, and like its predecessors, Henry Ford’s Model T, the Volkswagen Beetle, Citroen 2CV and the original Fiat 500, the Tata Nano continues the tradition of inexpensive cars made in large numbers. Conceived by Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, the Tata Nano is intended as an all-weather form of personal transportation that provides a safer and cleaner alternative to the two-wheelers that are pervasive in India, where often entire families ride clinging to a motorbike or a scooter.

Last edited by teamveevee : 17th December 2009 at 00:47.
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Old 17th December 2009, 14:47   #5
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This is great news. Hope Tata learns from all the markets and bring the learnings into the Nanos they make in India too.
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Old 17th December 2009, 14:51   #6
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The fact that Hyundai ( much loved here in India) has pulled out of Japan completely should serve to be a reality check to all of us who hope that TATA can make any sort of real impact.
However, if this does go through it will be quite an achievement, and if a car can do it, it is the nano!
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Old 17th December 2009, 17:05   #7
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Tata in Japan

AFAIK Japanese are very particular about quality of product.
You need to sell them some thing which has quality. with current level of QC tata has, TATA can never succeed in Japan.

That too with some electrical faults, fumes reported in couple of Nano's TATA need to do some serious QC.
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Old 17th December 2009, 17:32   #8
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Has anyone read Autoblog? The totally biased critters there utter the most unflattering comments about the Nano, without ever having even seen it in the first place! Why, even I have not seen one on the road yet.
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Old 17th December 2009, 17:55   #9
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Tata Nano has made it to the top 17 list for the 'Car of the decade' by Autocar UK
The final winner will be decided by poll, heres the link

https://web.questback.com/isa/qbv.dl...C5dOXf&rtcdx=1

Best of luck Nano!!
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Old 17th December 2009, 18:25   #10
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has anything been mentioned on when the car will be sold in japan? considering the indian demand, this is going to be the next big hassle for TATA. it would really need to ramp up their production.
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Old 17th December 2009, 19:19   #11
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Yes, Nano is the STAR ready to conquer the world
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Old 17th December 2009, 21:02   #12
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On second thought, Nano might also be a very good candidate to be sold in china. In fact it could be a good test case for exporting Nano. TATA need not have any fears because, if chinese could make a cheaper car, they might have already copied the design and everything else. But with Nano's fit and finish apparently the chinese could not develop a car at the same price point.

And if Chinese folks can put up with their cars, they can definitely put up with TATA and Nano. It could be a great opportunity to export thousands of cars every month to china.

What do you guys think?
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Old 17th December 2009, 21:08   #13
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Lot depends on how Europa will work in Europe. If it clicks, maybe it will become all time best selling car!
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Old 17th December 2009, 21:09   #14
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This is one GREAT news. Nano does not just represent TATA but even India.

Yes it is difficult for the Nano to crack up other markets & be successful but then it is not impossible.

Go NANO go.. all the best
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Old 17th December 2009, 21:29   #15
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go go Nano

Quote:
Originally Posted by recshenoy View Post
AFAIK Japanese are very particular about quality of product. That too with some electrical faults, fumes reported in couple of Nano's TATA need to do some serious QC.
Mr. Shenoy, would you care to study the history pls? If japanes/americans had such a robust (serious) QC, why would the 4th, 5th generation cars should develop niggles? Why would they have to call back their cars? Please stop this glut emails. If you intend to help tata's why don't you buy as many nanos as possible and help them sort out the issues in their next version of the car. Is it not indica v2 and vista all about?
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