Tata Motors is working on new variants of Nano to overcome high fuel prices and be environmentally friendly.
The company’s new plant at Singur in West Bengal was expected to go into operation in the last quarter of this calendar year and the manufacturing facilities would be expanded to meet the demand in the domestic and international markets in future.
The auto major is predicting a tough year ahead and expects fuel prices to negatively impact its commercial vehicle and passenger car sales.
“New variants of the Nano are also currently under development to meet the new environmental and fuel challenges, as also the market requirements of several international markets,” Ratan Tata, chairman, Tata Motors stated in the annual report of the company.
Several environmentalists have expressed concern over the entry of the Nano at a time when Indian roads are witnessing vehicular congestion and rising pollution levels. Moreover from April 1, 2010, the emission norms will become more stringent in 11 leading cities of the country. As part of the new regulations, the Bharat Stage IV norms for four wheelers will be in 11 cities and the Bharat III norms extended throughout the country.
Tata had earlier stated that Nano would meet all emission standards.
