Homegrown auto major Tata Motors has said it will launch the diesel version of world’s cheapest car Nano by March next year.
The company hopes that a diesel engine, which would automatically make the car the most fuel efficient in India, would help revive the fortunes of a brand that never lived up to the hype that preceded its 2009 launch.
“The launch of the diesel version of the Nano is ahead of us in this financial year,” said Karl Slym, MD, Tata Motors.
The Nano is currently available in the petrol option, priced between Rs 1.45 lakh and Rs 2.20 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
A diesel version costs roughly Rs 70,000-90,000 more than a petrol variant, which would put the Nano diesel at Rs 2.2-3 lakh — making it India’s cheapest diesel car.
A CNG variant is slated for launch by next month.
In recent times the company has tried to position the car as a more aspirational product, adding features such as a keyless entry. The diesel variant could be a last throw of the die for reviving the brand.
Sales of the Nano plunged over 76% to 8,098 units between April and August 2013, year-on-year.
{{/usCountry}}Sales of the Nano plunged over 76% to 8,098 units between April and August 2013, year-on-year.
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