Tata launches Rs 1 lakh car, Nano !

Tata Motors Ltd, India's top vehicle maker, on Thursday unveiled the world's cheapest car, the Nano, which will be priced at 100,000 rupees ($2,500).

Following are comments on the car from industry executives and people at the Auto Expo in New Delhi, where it was unveiled.

Jagdish Khattar, Former Managing Director, Maruti Suzuki:

"The car is good to look at. There is a space in the market between two-wheelers and the 800 (Maruti's small car). It will be a success if they deliver what they promised. And I see no reason why they can't."

Ramesh Suri, Chairman, Subros:

"The best thing is that they have kept the price at levels promised at concept stage. It is good to look at. I can't say about the driving experience as I have not taken a trial."

Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director of Maruti SuzukI India LTD (speaking before the unveiling): "We cannot make a cheaper car. We don't know how to make a 1-lakh car unless we sacrifice something. We won't go below the 800 in our product line-up."

Maruti Suzuki's mini 800, priced at nearly double the Tata car, was the cheapest in the market. Asked about the impact of the Tata car on Maruti's sales, Nakanishi said: "There may be some impact."

Anand Mahindra, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra LTD (speaking before the unveiling):

"I think it's a moment of history and I'm delighted an Indian company is leading the way."

Venu Srinivasan, Chairman & Managing Director, TVS Motor CO:

"It is fantastic, outstanding engineering. It helps redefine the sector in the country. It has established new grounds."

P. Sam, group head, Marketing and Sales, Yamaha Motor India Sales PVT LTD:

"The 1-lakh rupee car is not going to impact our potential customers. Our customers would buy our products for the sheer joy of riding."

Onkar Kanwar, Apollo Tyres LTD:

"I congratulate Tata. He has delivered what he promised."

Ashok Singh, Constable, Delhi Police:

"It is a dream come true. I look forward to buying that car. My wife will be really happy."

G. Colquhoun, Reader in manufacturing systems, School of Engineering, Liverpool:

"This is an important step for Asian markets. I look forward to this car being introduced in European markets."

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