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37-489: The Tata Nano is a city car / microcar manufactured and marketed by Indian automaker Tata Motors over a single generation from 2008–2018, primarily in India, as an inexpensive rear-engine hatchback for motorcycle and scooter drivers — with a launch price of ₹100,000 ( US$ 2,500 ) on 10 January 2008. Tata Motors projected production figures of 250,000 annually at launch. This was not achieved, and various factors led to

74-524: A decline in sales volume, including delays during the factory relocation from Singur to Sanand , early instances of the Nano catching fire and the perception that the Nano was unsafe and lacked quality from its aggressive cost cutting. Actual sales reached 7,591 for model year 2016-2017. The project lost money, as confirmed by former Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry and by 2017 Tata Motors management. In 2017, Tata Motors said manufacturing would continue due to

111-452: A fifth wheel, or motor wheel, to drive the Flyer. The wheelbase was 62 inches (1575 mm), the wheels were 20 inches (508 mm) in diameter, and the width was 30 inches (762 mm). Since the 5th wheel was directly driven by the engine, the engine was started with the driving wheel lifted slightly in the air, and then when the engine was running smoothly, the driver lowered

148-472: A negligible market share of the car in the "A" segment. The product was expected to be phased out soon as dealers stopped placing orders. FY 2009–2010 30,000 approx FY 2010–2011 70,432 FY 2011–2012 74,527 FY 2012–2013 53,848 FY 2013–2014 21,129 FY 2014–2015 16,903 FY 2016-2017 7,591 FY 2017-2018 April - October 1,502 Due to the low sales of the model (only one Nano was assembled in June 2018 against

185-410: A new, all steel connecting rod and flywheel magneto. These improvements increased the power output to 2 horsepower (1.5 kW). Briggs & Stratton marketed the Flyer nationwide, and even started a publication entitled Motor Wheel Age . In 1925, when they sold the rights to the Flyer to Automotive Electric Services Corporation. The Automotive Electric Services continued to produce the Flyer until

222-558: A range of 80 miles (130 km). A Norwegian electric car specialist, Miljøbil Grenland AS , was named as a proposed partner in the project. The Nano CNG emax was launched in October 2013. It could run on either gasoline or compressed natural gas. Initially, it was to be sold in Delhi and parts of Maharashtra and Lucknow, where CNG was available at fuel outlets. The bifuel engine was powered by both CNG and petrol. In natural gas operation,

259-594: A result of increasing costs to comply with stricter safety and especially emissions standards, which makes minicars nearly unprofitable, especially considering that for most models from European brands this is the only market. In the United States, minicar segment cars represented 0.5% of the market share. In 2020 the highest selling minicar segment cars in the U.S. were the Chevrolet Spark , Mitsubishi Mirage and Mini Cooper . In India, historically

296-401: A third in 2020, which translates to nearly 400,000 fewer sales and means the segment loses market share as the overall market is down 24%. As a result, this segment now makes up 6.8% of the total European car market, down from 7.7% last year. And their share is expected to shrink further in coming years, as manufacturers are pulling out of this segment or switching their models to EV-only. This is

333-540: The Volkswagen Beetle it had a relatively low price, though still high in terms of the average salary of an Indian industrial worker or farmer. In 1990, a Beetle from Mexican factories was priced at $ 5,300, about $ 12,360 in 2022. The Ford Model T 's initial price was about $ 850, equivalent to $ 28,824 in 2022. The price of the Nano was only just higher than the corrected price of the Briggs & Stratton Flyer of

370-699: The kei car class in Japan. As of 2021, the A-segment category size spans from approximately 2.7 metres (110 in) to 3.7 metres (150 in). Body styles for A-segment cars in Europe are always hatchbacks . But as crossovers gain popularity, new models may shift to resemble crossovers. Examples of crossover city cars include Suzuki Ignis and Toyota Aygo X . Other body styles such as sedans are not present in this segment because these shapes largely prove impractical at typical A-segment dimensions. In 2020

407-515: The 1910s, with the Flyer costing US$ 125 ($ 1,767 in 2016), while the Flyer might be classified as more of a go-kart than a car. The Nano's design implements many measures to reduce manufacturing costs. Comparison with the Hyundai Eon , the Tata Nano's closest competitor: The Nano (2012) was a 38 PS (28 kW; 37 hp) car with a two-cylinder 624 cc engine mounted in the rear of

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444-498: The 2-cylinder 624  cc (38.1  cu in ) with 38 hp. The Nano was driven by a petrol engine. Though several variants were proposed, none were put into production. An upscale version was shown at an auto show. Tata Motors signed an agreement in 2007 with a French firm, Motor Development International , to produce a compressed air car Nano. While the vehicle was supposed to be able to travel approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi) on $ 3 US of electricity to compress

481-402: The 275 assembled in June 2017) Tata Motors announced the end of production without any direct successor. The Nano wasn't accepted by potential buyers and sales were always lower than projected. The Sanand Plant now produces other hatchbacks like Tiago and Tigor . City car A-segment sales represented approximately 7–8% of the market in the 2010s. It is approximately equivalent to

518-499: The A-segment cars had the highest sales. Sales have been in decline in recent years, falling from 70,000 sales per month in 2014 to 47,000 sales per month in 2016. As of 2019, several A-segment cars had successes outside Europe, such as Hyundai Grand i10 , Honda Brio , Kia Picanto , Tata Tiago , Toyota Wigo , Suzuki Celerio , Suzuki Wagon R , Suzuki/Maruti Alto , Ford Figo , Smart ForTwo , Citroën C1 , Peugeot 108 , and modern Fiat 500 . Smith Flyer The Smith Flyer

555-610: The Nano in the configuration for the UN's R94 test. Tata had made it public that a version of the Nano designed for export to Europe had passed R94, and they were also expecting a four star Euro NCAP result. In contrast, the Indian car failed the R94 test and scored zero stars for adult and child occupant protection in Global NCAP 's tests. The Nano was not fitted with airbags, not even one for

592-422: The Nano received attention due to its low price of 1 lakh rupees (Rs. 100,000). Some promotional material labeled the vehicle as "The People’s Car". Expectations created for the car during the run up to its production were out of proportion with realised sales. A 2008 study by Indian rating agency CRISIL projected the Nano would expand the nation's car market by 65%, but, as of late 2012, news reports have detailed

629-543: The Super Nano featured carbon fibre components, Recaro seats, and steering-mounted paddle shifters. An upscale Nano concept car called Nano Europa was shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show . However, there was no progress towards producing or marketing this upscale specification. There were reports of several fire incidents involving the Nano. The company denied those were connected to the car's design or its parts and blamed "foreign electrical equipment" found on top of

666-534: The U.S. manufacturing rights to the Wall motorwheel in 1914 and first produced the motor wheel for use on bicycles, but later added the wooden-framed buckboard car that they called the "Smith Motorwheel". In 1919 the manufacturing rights were purchased by the Briggs & Stratton Company, who produced the Motor Wheel and Flyers. They made several improvements in the engine, increasing the bore size, along with

703-462: The air, Tata's Vice-President of Engineering Systems confirmed in late 2009 that vehicle range continued to be a problem. Tata discussed the possibility of producing an electric version, and while it showcased an electric vehicle Nano at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show , no such car came onto the market. If an EV Nano had been produced the expectations were that it would have been a highly affordable electric car using lithium-ion batteries and having

740-470: The car in a different state, Gujarat , instead. Announced as the most affordable production car in the world, Tata aimed for a price of one lakh rupees , or ₹ 100,000, which was approximately $ 2,000 US at the time. Only the very first customers were able to purchase the car at that price, and as of 2017, the price for the basic Nano started around ₹ 215,000 ($ 3,400 US). Increasing material costs may be to blame for this rapid rise in price. Compared to

777-419: The car. The car complied with Bharat Stage 4 Indian Emissions Standards , which are roughly equivalent to Euro 4. The development of the Nano led to 31 design and 37 technology patents being filed. 0-100 km/h (62 mph): 30 seconds In May 2015, to revive the model's sales, Tata Motors introduced a series of enhancements both inside and outside the car. The name was changed to GenX Nano to underline

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814-535: The changes, the range was offered in 21 different versions, among them a 5-speed automated manual transmission. Electric power steering, air conditioning, and Bluetooth radio were available on top models in addition to new colors and alloy wheels. The body was strengthened and the front and rear bumpers were changed, which slightly increased the length to 3,164 millimeters. The interior was also redesigned with new fabrics and improved soundproofing. The rear hatchback and 5-seat homologation were introduced. The engine remained

851-529: The company's emotional commitment to the project. Production was eventually halted in May 2018. The Sanand Plant subsequently manufactured other hatchbacks, including the Tiago and Tigor . After successfully launching the low cost Tata Ace truck in 2005, Tata Motors began development of an affordable passenger car that would appeal to the many Indians who ride motorcycles. The purchase price of this no frills auto

888-522: The driver, nor ABS . During the 64km/h NCAP test the passenger compartment not only became unstable but also showed extremely high levels of intrusion of the steering column and waist-level intrusion of the A-pillar, showing high risk of life-threatening injury to the driver's head, neck and chest and also indicating that less critical body regions like the knees, tibias and feet were unlikely to be recoverable. The Nano had only static two-point seatbelts for

925-413: The engine (by means of a lever) gently to start the forward motion. The direct drive motor wheel was developed by Arthur William Wall of Birmingham , England , around 1910 to power a bicycle. The concept of attaching the motor directly to the wheel was not new; Ferdinand Porsche developed one around 1900, but his motor wheel was electric. The A.O. Smith Corporation of Milwaukee, Wisconsin , acquired

962-485: The engine delivered maximum power of 33 horsepower and 45 Nm of maximum torque. The tank had a capacity of 32 liters (8 US Gal/7 UK Gal) of CNG. In December 2014, Coimbatore-based JA Motorsport presented a 230 hp 1.3-liter engined version of the Nano called the 'Super Nano' at the Autocar Performance Show. Featuring a full body kit, slick tyres, a bolt-on roll cage, and smoked head and tail lamps,

999-453: The exhaust system. The company offered to retrofit the exhaust and electrical systems but refused to recall the cars. Tata extended the warranty on the car, including those already sold, from 18 months to four years in early December 2010. The Nano received a mixed reception from Indian consumers; reasons given included that it was still too expensive compared to a motorcycle, and the extended waiting time for delivery (a few months). Although it

1036-509: The launch. Sales of the Nano's nearest competitor, the Maruti 800 , fell by 20% immediately following the unveiling of the Nano. It is unknown if the Nano has had a lasting effect on the prices of and demand for close substitutes . In July 2012, Tata's Group chairman Ratan Tata, who retired in same year, said that the car had immense potential in the developing world while admitting that early opportunities were wasted due to initial problems. Due to

1073-474: The rear seats and no child seat available for sale in India could pass the installation check, meaning that the Nano was unsuitable for safely transporting children. It achieved zero stars for child occupant protection, scoring no points across all areas of assessment. At the time of launch Tata Motors planned to sell 250,000 units per year. The maximum sales ever achieved was 74,527 units during FY 2011-2012 and then sales declined rapidly year after year leading to

1110-456: The sales drops, only a single unit was produced in June 2018. The Sanand Plant now produces other hatchbacks like Tiago and Tigor . Tata Motors announced in 2006 that the Nano would be manufactured in Singur , West Bengal. Local farmers soon began protesting the 'supposed' forced acquisition of their land the new factory entailed. Tata first delayed the Nano launch and later decided to build

1147-415: The supply of engines ran out, then they substituted an electric motor driven by a battery. Briggs & Stratton kept the motor that had been the heart of the Motor Wheel and adapted it to other applications such as lawn mowers and running small equipment. The Motor Wheel motor was the progenitor of all Briggs & Stratton motors to follow. Virtually all Flyers were painted red and were known widely as

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1184-460: The ten highest selling A-segment cars in Europe were Fiat Panda , Fiat 500 , Toyota Aygo , Renault Twingo , Volkswagen Up! , Hyundai i10 , Kia Picanto , Peugeot 108 , Citroën C1 and Suzuki Ignis . 100,000 - 200,000 sales (Best-Selling) 50,000 - 100,000 sales 10,000 - 50,000 sales rank (2021–2022) 2019 - In 2019, sales of minicars were down 2% compared to a total market gain of 1% which means this segment now makes up 7.7% of

1221-428: The total European car market at 1.21 million sales, down from 8% in 2018. And with margins on minicars under pressure due to increased costs to comply with stricter safety and emissions standards, manufacturers are scaling back investments in to minicars or switching to an EV-only strategy. In Italy, A-segment cars represented 16.4% of car sales in the first half of 2019. 2020 - European sales of minicars were down by

1258-415: The underwhelming response of the Indian consumer to the offering; sales in the first two fiscal years after the car's unveiling remained steady at about 70,000 units. Tata intended to maintain a capacity to produce the car in much larger quantities, some 250,000 per year, should the need arise. It was anticipated that its 2009 debut would greatly affect the used car market, and prices did drop 25–30% prior to

1295-464: Was an American automobile manufactured by the A.O. Smith Company in Milwaukee from 1915 until about 1919 when the manufacturing rights were sold to Briggs & Stratton and it was renamed the Briggs & Stratton Flyer . The Smith Flyer is a small, simple, lightweight, two-seat vehicle with a wooden frame that doubles as the body and as the suspension. A small gasoline engine is mounted on

1332-424: Was brought down by dispensing with most nonessential features, reducing the amount of steel used in its construction, and relying on low cost Indian labour.. The design featured only a driver's side wing mirror, one wiper blade, only three lug nuts per wheel and a fuel tank without filler cap. Tata said it was the first time a 2-cylinder petrol engine was being used in a car with single balancer shaft. At introduction

1369-791: Was identified as the most affordable car, a secondhand car that was more expensive when it was new gave more social status; the Nano was considered a "poor man's" vehicle, turning some people away. The fires and other safety issues were also a concern. Tata Motors ended FY16 selling 21,012 Nanos, up from 16,901 in FY15. In 2014, Global NCAP crash-tested an Indian-market Tata Nano at the ADAC facility in Germany in its pilot round of 64km/h front offset deformable barrier crash tests for its Safer Cars for India project (similar to Latin NCAP 2013). They also crashed

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