Such a Nano journey

Such a Nano journey

BY - PUNE MIRROR
2003
The image of a family, father, mother and two children, on a two-wheeler sparked the thought of building an ultra low-cost car in Ratan Tata’s mind. What followed in the next six years is testament to his vision that has brought the Nano to the masses and pride to the nation.
2003-08
The five-year journey of development really fine-tuned the Nano. Meanwhile, Tata launched the Ace. Tata Motors succeeded in keeping everything under wraps by not allowing anyone, other than the team members working on the Nano, to look at the prototypes. There’s not a single artists’ impression of the car which is close to the original.
JANUARY 2007
Initial plans for the Nano being set, Tata scouted for a suitable location for an assembly plant. Tata speaks to Buddhadeb Bhattacharya for land in West Bengal. Singur is chosen, Tata Motors begins acquiring land. The issue takes on political hues when opposition leader Mamata Banerjee protests against the new venture. Work on the Nano plant continues despite heavy protests.
JANUARY 10, 2008
The Tata pavilion was packed with special invitees and mediapersons — including many foreigners. In a dramatic technological showcase of laser, light and projection, Tata gave an inaugural speech — exciting critics and supporters. The crowd listened to every word with bated breath. And then three Nanos rolled onto the podium to unending bursts of camera flashes and cheers. Millions saw the live telecast. The Nano was real and pretty.
MARCH 8, 2008
After a grand launch at the Auto Expo and positive reactions from the world media, it was the biggest attraction at the 78th Geneva Motor Show. The Nano impressed all and lay to rest any questions of a sub-standard product.
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2008
Farmers continue to protest against the plant in Singur. Work on plant is halted and stays shut till the end of September 2008. The launch of the Nano is delayed. Tatas mull shifting the Nano plant elsewhere. It is a financial loss for Tata Motors. And shame for the state as far as Singur is concerned.
OCTOBER 7, 2008
Narendra Modi wins the Nano plant for Gujarat. Tata announces the Nano plant will be set up in Sanand near Ahmedabad. Construction begins. The Nano is set for an early 2009 launch.
FEBRUARY 26, 2009
Nano’s launch date of March 23, 2009 is officially announced. Tata begins testing the Nano undisguised on roads near Pune.
MARCH 3, 2009
Tata introduces the Nano Europa — a higher end version of the car. It is also said to be priced thrice as much as the regular Nano.
MARCH 23, 2009
Today. The Tata Nano has been launched. It is yet another proud day for India. The Indian automotive industry has made its mark on the world by bringing the cheapest car in the world to the people.