Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Tata’a ace

This refers to the editorial “Ratan Tata’s ace” (Jan. 11). The unveiling of Tata Nano marks a milestone in the history of Indian technology. It has put even global automobile giants on the back foot. What is most fascinating about the Rs.1-lakh car is that it instils in us a sense of identification and pride, while making business sense in every aspect. All talk of traffic congestion, pollution, etc., is meaningless. Such criticism can be made to stall any industrial development. It will be interesting to see how the price war will be fought on Indian roads as a result of Tata Nano’s launch.

N.K. Sinha,

Chennai

Three cheers to Mr. Tata for delivering on his promise of providing a car for the common man. Anyone can build an extravagant car but manufacturing a low-cost car — and that too the world’s cheapest — is indeed a feat. Tata Nano promises to be fuel-efficient. As for speed, who is bothered? Even a Ferrari has to trail an autorickshaw in cities.

On the flip side, the common man would prefer public transport any day to save on maintenance cost, congestion and traffic chaos. Road rage is also on the rise with bad, dilapidated roads. Our cities simply cannot handle more four-wheelers.

K. Chidanand Kumar,

Bangalore

Tata Nano will pose a stiff competition to two-wheeler manufacturers, particularly the segment in which the price is more or less the same. With the launch of the car, the target market for two-wheelers and four-wheelers has become the same. The price war is bound to increase. One hopes the customer will benefit the most.

T.T.V. Raman,

Tirupati

It will be interesting to see how Korean and Japanese car manufacturers meet the challenge posed by the world’s cheapest car. The beneficiary of the automobile war that is expected to follow will be the consumer.

Kavin Kumar Jain,

Bangalore

For middle class families, it has been a dream to drive around in its own car. Tata Nano comes as a pleasant surprise. I think the people have already started saving to buy the car.

J. Aravindhan,

Coimbatore

The editorial rightly points out that instead of denying the vehicle to the middle classes, the focus should be on improving the public transportation network and expanding the infrastructure. When it comes to safety, a four-wheeler is always a better option. I am sure the Nano’s entry is going to change the way India travels.

B.V. Siva Prasad,

Gunadala

No doubt the launch of the lowest-priced car is a major contribution to the automobile industry in India and abroad. It is expected to help many from the middle class to live their dreams. But it cannot be denied that it will add to traffic congestion in more ways than one. It is highly unlikely that the government will swing into action just because a major section of society can afford a car now.

Arun Dash,

Hyderabad

Tata Nano looks affordable, attractive and extremely functional even on its own, not necessarily as an alternative to the ever popular two-wheeler. With petrol prices going over the roof, quite a few of us own a two-wheeler and a car. Nano will definitely have many buyers. Big car-owners may opt for it as a second car.

Col. C.V. Venugopalan (retd.),

Palakkad

The production of a small car at an affordable price of Rs.1 lakh is an enormous engineering feat. The engineers at Tata Motors and the force behind the mission — Ratan Tata — deserve to be complimented for this socially relevant work. Who would not like to travel in the safety and comfort of a car that is available at the cost of premier segment risky bikes?

Air Cmde Raghubir Singh (retd.),

Pune

Mr. Tata has silenced the doubting Thomases by unveiling a sleek and appealing car — a gift to the ordinary people of the nation. The launch of the small car may bring down the prices of other small cars in the market. Questions such as how long the company will continue to supply the car at Rs.1 lakh and how the authorities propose to cope with the spurt in traffic should be addressed if we are to enjoy the benefits of the revolutionary move by Tata Motors.

N.K. Vijayan,

Kizhakkambalam

The launch of Tata Nano has spread a few myths: it is an alternative to two-wheelers; it will cause lesser pollution; it is the people’s car; and it is safer than two-wheelers. The reality is: two-wheelers are easier to handle; a two-wheeler user can reach the destination faster in the city; parking and moving are easier; a two-wheeler burns only 100 or 200 cc of oxygen but even a small car burns 625 cc of oxygen and, with traffic snarls, the gross emission will be much higher; more cars will make city traffic a nightmare; and a light car is never safe in a highway or high-speed accident.

S. Subramaniam Balaji,

Chennai

Mr. Tata deserves to be applauded for rolling out the world’s cheapest car. But calling it the people’s car smacks of derision for the aam admi, who is nowhere near the idea of owning a car.

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