25-08-2017, 09:32 PM
The Nano project: Making of a modern classic
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Tata Motors is India's largest and leading automobile company, with US $ 7.2 billion
revenues in 2006-2007. With over 4 million Tata vehicles pursuing in India, it is the
premier in commercial vehicles and the second largest in passenger vehicles.
It is also the world's fifth largest medium and heavy truck manufacturer and the second
largest heavy bus manufacturer. Mr. Tata's 'dream project', the Rs one-lakh car has
generated immense interest in the Indian auto market, where Tata's current lowest-priced
car is Indica with a tag of Rs 3.3 lakh. The one lakh rupee car is going to be a real car
with the basic features.
The car is in every way a car, with an engine, a suspension, and a steering system
designed for its size. The most watched car in the Indian car space - the Rs 1-lakh
offering from the Tata Motors stables - is going to be launched in september in 3 variants.
When launched, the car will be available in both standard and deluxe/luxury versions.
Both versions will offer a wide range of body colours, and other accessories so that the
car can be customised to an individual’s preferences. It is aimed to rank between high end
motor cycles and the compact car segment. Instead of researching on low cost
components by themselves, Tata has delegated the task to various vendors.
The fuel-injection system is being developed by MICO while Brakes India and Bosch
Chassis Systems will be supplying low cost braking system. Around 55 prototypes have
been tested on Indian roads under varied conditions. It has been reported that the final
model will make its debut in October 2008. The name 'Nano' was chosen as it denotes
high technology and small size. It was the most eagerly waited car
In the early 2003, five engineers from Tata motors trooped into the main conference room
in the Bombay house, the headquarters of the Tata group. They have been choosen for the
completion of the Nano project which was promised by the company chairman Ratan N.
Tata.
The final product:
The Nano is a 33 PS (33 hp/24 kW) car with a 623 cc rear engine and rear wheel drive,
and has a fuel economy of 4.55 L/100 km (21.97 km/L, 51.7 mpg (US), 62 mpg (UK))
under city road conditions, and 3.85 L/100 km on highways (25.97 km/L, 61.1 mpg (US),
73.3 mpg (UK)). It is the first time a two-cylinder non-opposed petrol engine will be used
in a car with a single balancer shaft. Tata Motors has reportedly filed 34 patents related to
the innovations in the design of Nano, with powertrain accounting for over half of them.
The head of Tata Motors' Engineering Research Centre, Girish Wagh has been credited
with being one of the brains behind Nano's design. According to Tata, the Nano complies
with Bharat Stage-III and Euro-IV emission standards.
Financial projection:
Tata initially targeted the vehicle as "the least expensive production car in the world" —
aiming for a starting price of 100,000 rupees or approximately $2300 US despite rapidly
rising material prices.
Tata Motors has been able to cut down the cost of the car by making things smaller and
lighter, doing away with superficial parts and changing material wherever possible.
Tata Motors company had received lakhs of enquiries through the internet for the Nano.
Tata Motors intends to open bookings for the car three months from now.
Engine
Unlike other low cost Indian cars, this one is going to have a variomatic gear system.
Instead of manual gear box in conventional cars it is coming up as gear less or rather with
an automatic gear transmission. This helps to improve the efficiency & mileage by
magnifying the torque output.
As in international markets, the compact car from Tata will have back mounted engine,
pushing the luggage space to the front. Making the engine closer to the fuel tank has
another advantage of increased fuel efficiency.
Rear mounted engine also help in reducing the power loss during transmission. The car
will have front disk and rear drum brakes. The company claims mileage of 22 kmpl in
city and 26 kmpl on highway.
Fuel Efficiency
The People’s Car has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS,
multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline
engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft.
The lean design strategy has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance
per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled
by a specially designed electronic engine management system.
Safety & Comfort
By adhering to the fact that less weight requires less power, the 1 lakh car is made of light
weighing steel. This has made the Tatas come up with a cheap alternative with out
compromising on safety and performance.
The base model will feature glass windows that can be cranked up. The tail lights are
expected to appear like as in Tata Indica. Higher versions will have the comforts of power
steering, power windows, air-conditioning and much more.
With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features
such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages,
and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tubeless tyres further enhance safety.