If you walk around in your city, you’ll notice that there are more vehicles on the road than there are humans. Every corner is jam-packed with SUVs and sedans. And those who can’t afford those have bought bikes to fill up every inch of the sidewalk. So, in order to make things more affordable and efficient in terms of space, Tata had launched the Nano.
The Nano is like an Indian version of the VW Beetle. It was touted as one of the cheapest cars on the market and for being environment friendly. However, since it had to cut corners to support its price-tag, Nano came off nothing other than tacky and wasn’t exactly accepted by the public. And after a decade-long run, it’s being shut down.
According to Hindustan Times, Tata recently announced that they’re shutting down production of all versions of Nano after dismal production numbers in June.
The Tata Nano was launched in 2008 and was marketed as the “people’s car”. However, in order to cater to the apparently cost-conscious customers, they ended up producing a one-time gimmick rather than an actual car. Soon after its production, the car was riddled with problems like catching fire and low safety.
While the Indian market showed an upsurge in the purchase of motorbikes, cars and trucks by an average of over 34% in June, the Nano continued to suffer. Tata Motors Ltd. produced only 1 unit in June and there were literally zero exports. So, the company had to come to terms with the truth and shut down its production by saying “present form cannot continue beyond 2019”.
Despite its small run on the market, Nano left a mark in everyone’s mind. So, they shared their memories and opinions about it.
1. That’s a harsh way to put it, but okay.
The abomination of a car that cut corners and costs, lacked safety and comfort, touted as 'frugal innovation'—Tata Nano—is officially dead. https://t.co/zxkzqo3nrt
— Nikhil നിഖിൽ (@nikhilnarayanan) July 11, 2018
2. Maybe that will be the next step.
Tata Nano was one car, that could have easily evolved into an Electric Vehicle in India. But sadly, there won't be any more production of Tata Nano.
— Giridhar (@cgiridhar) July 11, 2018
3. The unfortunate truth.
The death of the Nano suggests that pursuit of the lowest price above all else was misconceived. A more realistic view is that India is squarely a high-volume, few-models game and consumers are focused on value – which means getting as many features as possible for their money. https://t.co/2tkYRuocAU
— Anjani Trivedi (@anjani_trivedi) July 11, 2018
4. In fact, it’s the most popular mode of transport in most hilly areas.
Dear @RNTata2000/@TataMotors!
Go to the hilly state of Himachal Pradesh. Count the number of #TataNano per 10 cars on the roads there. You won't get a better proof of its success."RIP Nano. World's Cheapest Car Goes Up in Smoke":https://t.co/vN31dW5voU
— Anurag Anil (@raagwasgood) July 11, 2018
5. It did seem like a potential game-changer.
Still remember worry with which I was watching launch of #TataNano 10 years back. Worried for stress on infrastructure & environment this car was capable of casting.
A car at this price point meant killing two wheeler, and penetrating rural market unlike anything.
That was then. https://t.co/OXgoPq1yGD— ʀᴀᴠɪ ʀɪᴄʜʜᴀʀʏᴀ (@ravirich_) July 11, 2018
6. Probably it was bidding goodbye.
RIP, the Tata Motors' Nano: 1 unit in June 2018, down from 275 in the same month last year. Exports zero, versus 25 in June 2017. Ironically, I just got banged by one today! https://t.co/1No786Ykh5
— Yeshwanth Kini (@YeshwanthKini) July 11, 2018
7. That’s adorable.
@samayaa_x @LilyLilybrock RIP to our geog case study 💔💔😂
— Hollie (@Hollie_C2000) July 11, 2018
8. You had to go there.
Tata says “ta ta”
— Ryan Issakides (@RyanIssakides) July 12, 2018
9. You don’t have to be so harsh.
https://twitter.com/ChanduKoutam/status/1017242114562842626
10. A little bit of optimism goes a long way.
Probably, ahead of its time. I am sure #TataNano will always inspire someone, somewhere to think out of the box and break barriers. No questioning the visionary thought behind the product! https://t.co/HhHYKLR5ec
— Harsh Mariwala (@hcmariwala) July 11, 2018
As many have pointed out, although Indians love to be conscious about where they want to spend their money, their ego doesn’t allow them to be associated with the “cheapest car”. And when you couple that up with the Nano’s poor built, you’ve a recipe for disappointment in your hands. However, maybe as technology improves, Tata will be able to come up with a more practical model and Nano will have its day in the Sun.