Let me list some reasons why I think the Nano will benefit not just those who buy it, but also the entire car industry in general. In short, I think it’s good for most of us, except the traffic condition, environment and the environmentalists(RK Pachauri, Sunita Narain, etc.).
To all those who are critical of the Nano for whatever reason(looks, fragile body, comfort, etc.), don’t forget that the Nano delivers whatever it does at a never-before price point. Also, this car will benefit not just those who buy it, but also those who don’t, because other brands will take protective measures(such as reducing prices, offering more features on existing models or developing cheaper small cars) against this new competition.
Many people will buy the Nano instead of bikes(either because it makes more sense to spend a bit more and go for a car than a bike, or because till now no other car was affordable).
Some will buy it because it’s a great price to pay for a car(they have the money but didn’t want to buy a car spending lakhs of rupees. But a lakh rupees isn’t a huge investment for the comfort of a car, so why not?).
Some will take it in addition to an existing bigger car(for their wife/kids, or for cheaper running costs, etc).
Make no mistake, the Nano is nothing short of an icon now! And many people, specially in the initial days, will queue up to buy a Nano just to be a part of this iconic journey.
Due to this competition, other companies will either reduce their car prices, offer more features on existing models, or come up with better models. Either way, this will benefit everyone.
The Nano will reinforce India’s engineering potential across the world. It already has, to some extent. When the Nano Europa ships abroad, it will cause a flutter!
Exports of this vehicle will bring in valuable foreign exchange, and its manufacturing will create numerous jobs.
It will reduce fatalities in road accidents(because it’s surely safer than a two-wheeler)
It would make a PERFECT replacement for autorickshaws! I can imagine people yelling "Nano" in future, just like they yell "auto" today to call a rickshaw! This will greatly reduce noise and air pollution, as we all know how "quiet" and "non-polluting" our autorickshaws are!
It will galvanise the auto industry in India and make it a hub of auto manufacturing. The message for the world auto companies will be: if you’re not manufacturing in India, you’re dead!
And many more benefits.
Besides, if anyone thinks the Nano is bad, just check out the new PUMA electric concept vehicle from General Motors, launched today. It’s like a wheelchair for two people with a roof!
Check https://vijaypadiyar.in/blogs/2009/04/why-tata-nano-is-good-for-most-of-us.html for the latest version of this article.