Tata Nano aka people's car aka 1 lakh car has finally been released by Tata Motors. Ratan Tata unvieled the People's car today. Before the release there were rumours that the 1 lakh car was named Tata Jeh. Some liked calling it Tata Indiva. I can't remember any other new car release getting so much attention. Tata Nano received as much hype and attention which a Rajinikanth movie would get on the day of its release, in TamilNadu. The technical specifications of Tata Nano are as mentioned below.

tata indiva

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name: Tata Nano - 1 Lakh Rupee Car
Model: Petrol
Car Body Type: Hatchback
Segment: A Segment
Top Speed: 90
Fuel Consumption:
Highway 		26.00
Fuel Consumption:
City 		22.00
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
AC: AC                                                                      
without Climate Control
Power Windows:  
Central Locking: Manual
Remote Boot: No
Remote Fuel Filler: No
Rear Wiper: No
Rear Defogger: No
Steering Adjustment (Rake/Reach) : No
Driver Seat Adjustment: Manual
Leather Seats: No
Door Mirror: Driver Side
Tinted Glass: No
Rear AC Vent: No
Folding Rear Seats: No
Sun Roof: No
Buttons/Controls on Steering: No
Auto Viper: No
Auto Headlamp: No
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Airbag: No
Parking Sensors: No
Fog Lamp:  
Traction Control: No
EBD: No
ABS: No
ESP: No

The specifications of Tata Nano, especially the safety related ones seem really scarry. I guess most people would be better off travelling by a bike rather than using this car. But with India being highly price sensitive, Tata Motors could have just pulled one off. Reactions from competitors, especially from Maruti Udyog Limited is awaited. If Tata Nano becomes a hit and if there is competition in this segment, there would definitely be concerns of an environmental disaster. Tata Nano could lead to lakhs of new automobiles hitting already clogged Indian roads , adding to mounting air and noise pollution. I really doubt if the crowded roads of Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkatta and Bangalore can handly such a stepp increase in automobile traffic.