Tata Motors to launch new Nano variants in FY12

Homegrown auto major Tata Motors plans to launch new variants of its small car Nano during FY12.

Although the company has not specified anything about the forthcoming variant, it is widely speculated that a diesel version of the car is in the offing.

In a presentation, the company said it will introduce a host of products in FY12.

"Future products in pipeline for FY12, Nano variants, Vista refresh, Manza limited edition, New Safari, Aria 2WD," the presentation mentioned referring to product line up for its passenger vehicles for the ongoing fiscal.

Currently, Nano is available in three different petrol variants and are priced between Rs 1.41 lakh and Rs 1.97 lakh.

When contacted, a company spokesperson said the firm does not have any detail at this moment.

However, recent reports have said Tata Motors is prepared to launch a diesel variant of Nano and is likely to be rolled out by the end of this year.

Last year during Delhi Auto Expo in January, German component major Bosch said it had developed a special diesel engine in partnership with Tata Motors for the Nano.

"We have developed the 1.1-CRS [common-rail system] for the Tata Nano diesel [version]. The system will also be produced locally," Bosch Automotive Group chairman Bernd Bohr had said then.

Besides the New Safari, Vista refresh and Manza limited edition, the Aria 2WD will be in addition to the existing four-wheel drive version of the crossover vehicle.