I recently got an email about the the much talked about the Rs. 1-lakh Tata micro-car, which is likely to be launched sometime in 2008. Here are my first thoughts: I am a car afficinado, all right; but when it comes to this new 'revolution' Mr. Tata seems to have successfully endeavoured to bring to life concerns me a great deal. Firstly, because the car runs on fossil fuels; and secondly, because it is so inexpensive - given that we seem to have no carrying capacity to accomodate large numbers of these that seem to be on the cards.
I am taken aback by the fact that the car is likely to come with a diesel variant! It might make business sense for Tata not to think electric car, lest it should lose its USP, which is its cost advantage; but it amazes me as to why Tata would not drive their car environmentally cleaner fuel modes like CNG or LPG, given the fact that Tata has the necessary technology; widespread availibility of these fuels; and most of all, these fuels are incredibly cheaper than either of the two oil variants that Tata proposes to run its micro-car on - in line with the motto of building a cost-effective car, which competes with motorcycles and scooters!
Second, most apparently this is a car for urban roads - do we really have the carrying capacity to accomodate large numbers of these small four wheels? Imagining a scenario where half the two wheelers turn into the Tata 1-lakh car is as scary as any nightmare - Do we have as much parking space? Do we have as many lanes? I think the already scary situation is all set to get worse.
It amazes me further that Tata - a company that pom-poms itself as a pioneer in the field of CSR is manufacturing rodents of cars. I would tend to think that there is tremendous scope for business in public transportation. Should Tata invest as many funds in the railway sector or Eco-friendly buses, it stands not only a great opportunity to stake its claim as the numero uno in bus manufacturing, but also generate revenue from the international carbon market. And we are all aware that a certain Mr. Tata is capable of doing so.
I am taken aback by the fact that the car is likely to come with a diesel variant! It might make business sense for Tata not to think electric car, lest it should lose its USP, which is its cost advantage; but it amazes me as to why Tata would not drive their car environmentally cleaner fuel modes like CNG or LPG, given the fact that Tata has the necessary technology; widespread availibility of these fuels; and most of all, these fuels are incredibly cheaper than either of the two oil variants that Tata proposes to run its micro-car on - in line with the motto of building a cost-effective car, which competes with motorcycles and scooters!
Second, most apparently this is a car for urban roads - do we really have the carrying capacity to accomodate large numbers of these small four wheels? Imagining a scenario where half the two wheelers turn into the Tata 1-lakh car is as scary as any nightmare - Do we have as much parking space? Do we have as many lanes? I think the already scary situation is all set to get worse.
It amazes me further that Tata - a company that pom-poms itself as a pioneer in the field of CSR is manufacturing rodents of cars. I would tend to think that there is tremendous scope for business in public transportation. Should Tata invest as many funds in the railway sector or Eco-friendly buses, it stands not only a great opportunity to stake its claim as the numero uno in bus manufacturing, but also generate revenue from the international carbon market. And we are all aware that a certain Mr. Tata is capable of doing so.
Strange...how sometimes we overlook seeing things in a holistic manner!!!! Emotions can play such an important part that practicality takes a toll....thanks for educating me regarding some issued i had never thought of.
ReplyDeleteYou are articulate.
Thanks for writing this.
ReplyDelete