Tata Nano launch to be delayed further

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.

However, the latest from the Tata sources is that the Nano launch is now likely to happen only by January-March 2009.

This in fact could also mean that Tata boss Ratan Tata may not be able to celebrate his birthday with Nano’s launch. Last month, there were rumours that Tata Motors were trying to time a soft launch with Ratan Tata’s birthday. The company now sees a definite delay and is believed to have asked its vendors to be prepared for supplying components for only around 4000 Nanos on a monthly basis for now. This is said to be a decision that has been made to ensure that continuous supply once happens the car is actually launched.

Also, our sources tell us going a bit slow is better to ensure the quality of the people’s car. Undue haste after Singur to get the Nano out on the street can lead to problems, so Tata Motors wants to take it slow.

Meanwhile, in line with the Tata’s firm plans to sell around around 10 lakh units of the Tata Nano over the next five years, Tata Motors is now looking at more locations for building the car. The company is said to be keen on establishing a small plant for Nano in Uttarakhand and has informed the Uttarakhand government of its intention and keenness in this regard. Earlier reports had pointed out that the company was looking at an integrated land of about 1,100 acres at Pantnagar to build both the Tata Ace mini pick-up truck and Nano. Some reports, in the meantime, say that the company already has begun Nano production at its existing Pantnagar facility in Uttarakhand. This plant is expected make close to 50,000 units every year.