The much talked about dream project of Tata to deliver a Rs 1 lakh car is still going strong. Last Tuesday, Ratan Tata mentioned the cars would be manufactured from multiple locations. He also disclosed that the company is negotiating with GE for substituting steel with plastics to make the car lighter and more fuel-efficient.



It looks as if the car would materialize soon. The company has already completed styling and designing of the car and has already tested the prototypes within the plant. So by early 2008 we Indians would definitely get to own it.



Mr. Ratan Tata predicts that this rear engine, 4-5 seater, car will be extremely attractive to the Indian consumers, particularly younger families. However, cost escalations are expected to creep in but Tata promises to maintain the indicated price somehow. So if it succeeds, then Tata will be the most popular brand among the Indian middle class families.





Tata is also in talks with Italian auto major Fiat for a possibility of joint manufacturing at the latter’s Ranjangaon facility near Pune in Maharashtra. The deal could initiate sales of other Fiat’s brands like Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Ferrari by Tata.



Read