Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Nano to go hybrid way, get facelift: Tata


Less than a year after the launch of the Nano comes news that the car is going to have a
hybrid and is even getting an exterior facelift. Talks of an electric version of the Nano
have been in the air for a while now, but reports on Monday said Ratan Tata, chairman of
Tata Motors (TATAMOTORS.BO : 688.15 +58.65), told a South Korean newspaper about his
interest to make his dream project join the environmental-friendly trend. However, the
chairman did not elaborate on the possible timeline for the launch of the cheap hybrid
versions.
Tata Motors shares closed at Rs 660.90, up 4.99%, on Monday on the BSE (^BSESN : 17115.46
+189.24).
At the 63rd annual general meeting of the company in Mumbai, the chairman had hinted at the
subject and talked about the progressing work at the company on alternate fuel technology,
including hybrids. He had said, "We are working on an eco-car in Thailand, electric vehicles
and hybrids."
The company also talks about use of bio-diesel and ethanol across Tata companies. Tata had
also talked about a car project the company is working on with a France company, which will
run on compressed air. He, however, expressed doubt about the project, saying "it may or may
not happen". Till October, the company has delivered 10,518 units. The Nano delivery had
started in July this year.
Further, the newspaper quoted the company considering exporting Tata Motors' light truck,
Ace, to South Korea, and also assembling or manufacturing the model in its South Korean
plant. Further, Tata was quoted saying that the group is interested in Vietnam and
evaluating the US market, in which it is yet to make active investments.
The Indian conglomerate is also studying investments in automobiles, software and hotel
businesses, as well as biofuel in South American markets such as Brazil and Argentina.

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