Tata Motors' Nano lights up the streets of Mumbai

[TechLahore]

Interesting post from Engadget. Puts the Toyota braking issue in perspective!

Tata Motors' Nano lights up the streets of Mumbai
by Joseph L. Flatley posted Mar 22nd 2010 12:09PM

Indeed, there is a time in every product's life-cycle when it has its birth announcement, when it steps out into the world for the first time, and when it bursts into flames -- and Tata's Nano is no exception. According to Indian Autos Blog, the manufacturer is particularly well known for its combustible motorcars these days -- back in 2009, three Nanos caught fire, and now we have pictures of the latest to go into flames, courtesy of an insurance agent Satish Sawant.

Apparently, the auto dealership was delivering the vehicle to its new owner when a motorcyclist overtook the driver to get his attention -- just like that old episode of CHiPs. Since the engine is behind the driver, he had no idea that it had caught fire at some point on his journey. Who would have thought that a $2,500 vehicle would be plagued with problems? Let's just hope they get 'em sorted before the Nano EV hits the streets.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/22/tata-motors-nano-lights-up-the-streets-of-mumbai/

 

[Gin ka Pakistan]

can you please put the link to the article

 

[desiman]

Interesting post from Engadget. Puts the Toyota braking issue in perspective!

Tata Motors' Nano lights up the streets of Mumbai
by Joseph L. Flatley posted Mar 22nd 2010 12:09PM

Indeed, there is a time in every product's life-cycle when it has its birth announcement, when it steps out into the world for the first time, and when it bursts into flames -- and Tata's Nano is no exception. According to Indian Autos Blog, the manufacturer is particularly well known for its combustible motorcars these days -- back in 2009, three Nanos caught fire, and now we have pictures of the latest to go into flames, courtesy of an insurance agent Satish Sawant.

Apparently, the auto dealership was delivering the vehicle to its new owner when a motorcyclist overtook the driver to get his attention -- just like that old episode of CHiPs. Since the engine is behind the driver, he had no idea that it had caught fire at some point on his journey. Who would have thought that a $2,500 vehicle would be plagued with problems? Let's just hope they get 'em sorted before the Nano EV hits the streets.

Again, cars catching on fire is not rare and in fact it is quite common keeping in mind the amount of circuits in a car nowdays. On average, there is a vehicle fire every 96 seconds in the United States. So nothing to jump on Tata for, it’s an serious incident and will be worked on by the company. I hope no one starts coming to weird conclusions on this thread.

 

[Chiru]

Even BMW catch fire. Whats big deal.

 

[TechLahore]

can you please put the link to the article

Ooops... added to original post.

 

[LCA Tejas]

Even BMW catch fire. Whats big deal.

Big deal because BMW is german, and TATA is India, thats why its a BIG DEAL

 

[TechLahore]

Big deal because BMW is german, and TATA is India, thats why its a BIG DEAL

Actually, if you notice the tone on almost all American tech blogs/forums concerning Indian products, it is quite negative most of the time. Perhaps you are on to something...

 

[LCA Tejas]

Actually, if you notice the tone on almost all American tech blogs/forums concerning Indian products, it is quite negative most of the time. Perhaps you are on to something...

basicaly racism, they cannot see the Asia emerging, they have the same problem with anything new invented by pakistan,china or India.. come up with negative thoughts....

 

[Gin ka Pakistan]

I will still buy it but with a fire extinguisher , $2500 means use it for two years and then buy a new one.

 

[jha]

i have driven it...its a cute car to be precise..dont expect much from this.

 

[secularguy]

I think this is something Tata's must look upon Seriously.Even if these are isolated cases,bad PR(Public Relations) will be generated(already).

Two things I feel responsible are the Messing with Electrical System(Wiring Harness) of the Car for Aftermarket fittings, Other Being the Car is Force Air Cooled ,The Car can get Hotter?(This car has no radiator /water cooled).Car Got Air Scoops on Each Sides to Induct Cooler Air.If it is Blocked ,Well I think Engine can overheat.
A Small Radiator Sytem will really Help.Why I don't know Tata's thought of not having Radiator?This is a Tropical Country Ratanji...
As Regarding Engine-No Question it is a Indo-German Collaboration,Bosch invented specific parts no.s for this Budget Car.
Battery is Placed Under Driver's Seat IIRC.Overall ,Tata needs to be careful about Electrical Harness they provides in this Cheap People's Car.Atleast Provide Contact Points so that the Accessories Shops do not even dare to touch Cutting Wires etc.


meanwhile ,Tata's are Known for their Diesels.

And Tata's are Now not generally representing Indian Model Anymore.I will Vouch for Mahindra&Mahindra Over Tata in any case.

But Overall ,I see these small tall Cute Cars in Good Numbers now a days and Heard from a dealer himself that He can Get Me One from Lapsed Bookings(Cost approximately 2.75 Lakhs Pakistani Rupees).It is Good in terms of Space unlike some of Our cars Here - Alto for eg(Maruti 800 production stopped for big cities).

 

[Adwitiya]

Tata Nano is designed not for car driving but by keeping the middle class audience in mind who have a 2 wheeler and want to purchase a car. So it would be foolish have big expectations from such a car.

As far as firing are concerned there are always accidents on the road but that does not mean one should stop driving. Even 6 sigma production principles say there can be defect. It is almost impossible to create a series of products which does not have defects. but if the defect repeats itself then it is a problem

 

[Rajguru]

Actually, if you notice the tone on almost all American tech blogs/forums concerning Indian products, it is quite negative most of the time. Perhaps you are on to something...

Perhaps the tone of the same Americans is even worse on Chinese products.
So what are you on to?

 

[RoYaL~GuJJaR]

Tata nano is any exception?? Car's catch fire around the world, and engineers of tata company are dealing with this sitation and trying to fix it...

Actually, if you notice the tone on almost all American tech blogs/forums concerning Indian products, it is quite negative most of the time. Perhaps you are on to something

Well firstly you need to keep in mind that tata nano is not for american consumers neither TATA made this car for american market...It is for indian market..!! So,whatever they say dosen't worth a penny, let them cry..!!

Secondly ,it is really hard for them to digest the fact that how can a car will made in just $2500 ? So, its obvious they will criticize and don't praise it( Ex: China's products..!!)

 

[Frank Martin]

Tata Motors said it would
ask Nano customers to bring
back their cars to add safety
devices free of cost to prevent
the vehicles from catching fire,
but insisted it was not a 'recall'.
The company, however, said that
the addition of safety devices, a
lesson learnt from some of its
brand new Nanos catching fire,
was optional. After these
incidents, Tatas had engaged
experts to get into the details for
the cause of the mishaps, and its
internal report had said that
there was no manufacturing
defect.
"We would be informing the
customers that these are the
additional protection we are
willing to provide.
"We are quite convinced that
Nano is safe, based on our
investigations. However, we feel
that probably there may be
some extraneous circumstances
where people may want
additional protection