Kashmir nursing NANO dream

Valley dealers expect 50000 bookings in post-launch week
• Bad roads to spur demand for small car
• JK launch in first week of April• Price: Rs 1.23 lakh (Basic Model)
• Rs 1.30 lakh to Rs 1.60 lakh (Deluxe models)
• 24% more space than other basic car models
• Fuel efficiency: 22 km to 25 km per litre
• Environment friendly: Complies to Euro 3 emission norms
• Booking amount: Rs 70,000

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As the world’s cheapest car Nano made its commercial debut in India’s financial capital – Mumbai on Monday, dealer of Tata Motors in Kashmir, Fairdeal Motors is expecting 50,000 immediate bookings, 10,000 from Srinagar and 4000 each from 10 districts for the car that would hit Kashmir roads in April.

Described as people’s car by Ratan Tata, customers can expect to get the car at a price between Rs. 1.23 lakh to Rs. 1.30 lakh, depending on the version of Nano.

“We are expecting 10,000 bookings in April and also more than 4000 bookings from each district. Nano has 24 per cent more space than other basic models. Besides, its size which is its Unique Selling Point will make it more sought after in Kashmir where the road network is poorest and parking spaces are rare,” said G N Baba, General Manager Fairdeal Motors.The Nano would come in three variants – standard and two deluxe models with air conditioning. The deluxe model can go up to Rs 1.60 lakh.

“With more than 22 km per litre fuel efficiency Nano will comply to the Euro 3 emission norms thus making it environment friendly,” said Baba pointing at the renovation of the showroom for the launch of Nano here in the Valley. After the launch in Mumbai, Nano would be displayed at the company's dealerships from the first week of April while the bookings would start the following week. The booking amount is fixed at Rs 70,000.

“Adding a small car to the car market instead of a big car will be a service to the society as we are encountering frequent traffic jams. Tata has also tied up with the State Bank of India for financial assistance of the customers,” said Baba.Enquiring at the showroom about Nano, a prospective customer Malik Akhter of Bemina said: “We are anxiously waiting for the car. Small is wonderful and that too when you have roads, lanes, by lanes like those in Kashmir.”According to reports from Mumbai, the auto major will take 60 days to decide on the first batch of the few lucky customers who will be selected through a computerized random allotment.The anticipated 5 lakh bookings for Nano seem realistic as every month more than 6 lakh two-wheelers and 1.2 lakh passenger vehicles are sold in the domestic market.According to reports, Tata will not be able to produce more than 60,000-70,000 units in the first year.Tata Motors moved in its ultra low-cost Nano car production unit to Sanand in Gujarat following violent protests at Singur in West Bengal.