Tata Nano Sales Rose by 1,136% in December

In an effort to boost sales of its US$2,900 Nano micro car, India's Tata extended the warranty and offered easier financing in December, while it also launched a new advertising campaign that included a TV spot.

It turns out that this was a smart move, as sales of the Nano spiked reaching 5,784 units, which represents a 1,136% increase over the 509 units the company shifted a month earlier. This is still below the 9,000 monthly sales record achieved in July, but it seems that the Nano is back with a vengeance for 2011.

The warranty has been extended to four years or 60,000 km (37,282 miles) and clients can opt for a US$2 monthly maintenance option, which, coupled with the opening of new sales points and the upcoming nationwide distribution plan, should keep the momentum going.

“Tata Motors is now focusing on the Nano because its reputation is riding on it”, said Umesh Karne, a Mumbai-based analyst with BRICS Securities Ltd., who has a “buy” rating on the stock. “Measures such as easy financing and the maintenance offer have reassured customers”.

Last but not least, the Indian maker also promised to retrofit all Nanos with revamped exhaust and electrical systems in order to prevent more cars bursting into flames.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Bloomberg

VIDEO: Tata Tries to Boost Nano Sales with New Ad

As previously reported, Tata Nano sales in India have dropped significantly in the past few month, with just 509 customers opting for the US $2,900 micro car, down from 9,000 in July. It seems that Indian buyers have higher aspirations and are moving away from the Nano, as the nation’s market is booming. Reliability issues and a few spontaneously combusting units didn’t help sales either.

To mend the situation, the automaker has extended the car’s warranty and launched a new TV ad, depicting the Nano as the most lovable thing of Earth. Hit the jump to watch the commercial.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Youtube , Via: Indian Autos Blog

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2011 VW Polo Sedan: New Photo Gallery, Plus Info on India-Market Version that that Resurrects Vento Name

We've found more than two dozen fresh photos of the new Volkswagen Polo sedan (including first pictures of the interior) that was officially revealed in Moscow earlier this week.

The Russian version of the four-door Polo will be built VW's factory in Kaluga and will be offered with one engine, a 1.6-litre petrol unit producing 105HP and two transmissions, a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with sequential shift function.

In addition to the new photos, we learned that Volkswagen will launch the Polo sedan as the Vento in the Indian market starting from this fall. It's worth noting that the Vento nameplate was used for the third-generation Jetta in Europe.

The India-market Vento will be manufactured at Volkswagen's plant in Chakan, Pune and will be available in diesel and petrol variants coupled to either manual or automatic transmissions.

VW has yet to reveal in which other markets aside from Russia and India the Polo sedan / Vento will go on sale.

Indian Debut for Pininfarina-Styled Tata Pr1ma Sedan Concept

Following its world premiere at last year's Geneva Salon, Tata brought its oddly named Pr1ma concept car back home for the New Delhi motor show. Designed and built by famous Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina, the Pr1ma is suppose to offer an indication of how the next generation of Tata saloons could be stylistically interpreted.

The compact-size four-door saloon is based on the platform of the first Indian sedan, the Tata Indigo, and features a wheelbase of 2.700 mm. Neither Tata or Pininfarina have released any more information about the Pr1ma.

Tata Debuts Magic Iris Mini -Minivan for those that want to Upgrade from Tricycles

Tata Motors, the Indian maker of the world's cheapest mass produced car, the Nano, and owner of Jaguar and Land Rover, swiped the covers off the Magic Iris at this week's New Delhi motor show. The odd looking (and that's an understatement...) mini version of a minivan was developed specifically for India with the company claiming that it "aims at upgrading the quality of travel for those who depend on three-wheelers".

The pint-size four-wheel passenger car is said to seat up to five people, two at the front and three at the back.

Tata Motors makes it a point to note that the Iris Magic is "controlled by a steering that provides car-like on-road stability, while the hard roof, made of sheet metal, provides car-like safety" and that it also features "car-like clear lens headlamps and tail lights". If you've ever seen the tri-cycles in India, you'll understand why.

The Magic Iris, which is expected to go on sale in India later this year, is powered by a 0.6-liter water-cooled diesel engine producing 11.3-horsepower that allows the vehicle reach speeds of up to 55km/h or 34mph.