CNG, diesel variants of Nano on the anvil

Company says the CNG variant is within the sight of first half of next calendar year

Tata Motors today said its plan to roll out the CNG and diesel variants of Nano is on track and the small car is gradually gaining popularity in new segments.

"Plans in this regard are not on hold. We have talked about both of those variants.... The Nano CNG is within the sight of first half of next calendar year," Tata Motors Managing Director (Domestic) Karl Slym told reporters here.

The diesel variant of the Nano, however, is outside the first half of the next calendar year, he said.

Nano sales rose 4% in October to 4,004 units as against 3,868 units in the same month a year ago.

Admitting that the Nano's volumes have not come up to expectations, Tata Motors Passenger Car Business Unit President Ranjit Yadav said gradually the car, initially targeted as two-wheeler consumers who wanted to upgrade, is making inroads in other segments of buyers as well.

"Of course we are way behind our plans or expectations that we had. But now Nano is finding home for itself in many new segments, including urban areas," Yadav said.

Terming the Nano as a huge opportunity for the company, Yadav said, "we have seen interesting growth.. About 31% in the last couple of quarters."

The Tata official said Nano cannot be compared with other cars around that category. "The Nano is a category and class by itself. There is enough space to grow in that category. More players in the market means more opportunities for customers to explore," Yadav added.