DWS Auto India

Toyota’s answer to the Tata Nano will come in the form of a $5000 car (Rs 2 lakh). That is twice the official price of the Tata Nano which is priced at $ 2500 (Rs 1 lakh).

Tata Nano's launch is likely to be delayed further. Post-Singur, Tata Motors had hoped to roll out the first Nano by November 2008 albeit as a soft launch.

There will be a few Tata Nano units produced by 2008-end as part of a soft launch, and full scale production would start in the first quarter of 2009. But once things get moving, there is more interesting stuff coming up from Tata Motors.

I am sure there is business sense for both State Bank of India (SBI) and Tata Motors in this alliance. For those who don't know about it yet, Tata Nano can be bought on loan only from SBI. Tata Motors has got into an exclusive deal with SBI for this.

The Hindu newspaper is reporting that Tata Nano would have a soft-launch by 2008-end, followed by a full-scale launch in the the beginning of 2009. The soft launch would see some 2000-3000 Nano cars being launched.

The Tatas' decision to move the Tata Nano project to Gujarat has led to much cheer in the state. No doubt, the project is bound to benefit Gujarat in many tangible and intangible ways.

West Bengal's loss is Gujarat's gain. It was announced yesterday that the Tata Nano project for the Nano ultra-cheap car would move to Sanand, Gujarat. Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi has rolled out the red carpet for the people’s car.

Tata Motors officially has not announced a date for the launch of the diesel Tata Nano, but suppliers indicate that it would be launched around nine months after the launch of the Tata Nano petrol in October.

Hyundai has announced that it plans to build an ultra cheap mini car for India, which would likely be launched by 2011. The proposed small car is expected to positioned against the Tata Nano.

Take it easy, don't worry just yet. But here's one little nugget of info for you.