Tata Nano Africa launch planned

Tata Motors plans to launch the Tata Nano in Africa and beef up SKD operations in Kenya.

15 April, 2008

Tata Motors plans to make use of Africa's interest in India. The Tatas, who have had a long 60-year wait in Africa, will launch the Tata Nano in Africa and strengthen SKD (semi knock down) operations in Kenya.

Tata Motors is also studying the possibility of assembling passenger cars in Africa. The company might start SKD operations in Senegal for commercial vehicles by the end of 2008. Further, it also seeks to expand operations in Ghana, Uganda, Angola and Algeria.

A feasibility study to start SKD assembly operations is on in Congo. Tata Motors will complete project execution of manufacturing facilities in South Africa soon.

Meanwhile, the companies from India who want to excel in Africa would have to ward off the Chinese challenge. Reports state that China has pumped in US$15 billion in Sudan's oil industry, invested USD 12 billion in Congo, in exchange for the right to mine copper of an equivalent value, and has given enough to make Angola independent of IMF aid so it can prospect for oil there.

China is pushing vigorously into Africa, tying up long-term supplies with aid and influence.