Ratan Tata’s trip in India’s cheapest automobile takes the internet by storm
Image credit: ImpelFeed
On social media, Indian tycoon Ratan Tata is praised for travelling in one of the world’s cheapest cars.
Mr Tata, the Tata Group’s Chairman Emeritus, is known for his simplicity. He reignited the Nano craze when he drove one, which his company introduced in 2009 but stopped producing ten years later. It was introduced as a compact with much excitement, with the base model costing only 100,000 rupees ($1,979; £1,366).
However, due to production and marketing challenges, the brand began to lose ground to rival manufacturers after the initial success and enthusiasm.
A lottery was used to sell the first batch of 100,000 Nanos, with demand exceeding supply. However, demand continued to fall in subsequent years. Mr Tata stated in 2012 that the Nano launch had been a mistake.
However, he has remained committed to the Nano project, describing it as “an inexpensive automobile for all Indians.”
Many people were astonished by his journey in the Nano because he also controls the company that makes Jaguar and Land Rover cars. On Tuesday, his ride to Mumbai’s famed Taj hotel, which is also owned by the Tatas, was dubbed a “masterclass” in simple living by many.
Following the release of a video of Mr Tata at the Taj by famed paparazzi Viral Bhayani, Indian social media was flooded with adulation for the business magnate.
The video also brought back memories of the car that was once marketed as “the world’s cheapest car” and swept India. Mr Tata also remarked on why the Nano was so special to him on social media a few days ago.
Meanwhile, some rumours claim that Tata plans to reintroduce the Nano as an electric vehicle. Many Indian and international companies have tried to break into the rapidly rising electric vehicle industry, but experts believe India still needs to invest considerably in charging stations and supply-chain management to make it a viable alternative for car manufacturers.
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