Nano launch: Auto industry on verge of new dawn

History will be created in Mumbai tomorrow when Tata Motors launches the world's least expensive car, Nano -- a car that can redefine personal transportation in modern India.

Described as "People's Car" by Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata, Nano's commercial launch will mark a milestone in a journey, which was replete with controversies, hurdles and criticism from competitors.

As far as customers are concerned, they can expect to own a car coming at a price between Rs 1.20 lakh and Rs 1.30 lakh, depending on the version of Nano, although bookings will start only in April second week.

According to dealer sources, if the company keeps the ex-factory price at Rs 1 lakh, as promised by Tata, then the base model could easily have an on-road price of Rs 1.20 lakh after adding taxes such as excise duty, education cess and road tax, along with transportation cost, local taxes, insurance and registration fees and a lifetime parking fees (wherever applicable).

Last month, Tata Motors had appointed public sector lender State Bank of India as the sole booking agent for the world's least expensive car from the stable of Tatas. The booking amount is reportedly fixed at Rs 70,000.