Tata Motors in Talks to Make Micro-Hybrid Version of Nano

Tata Motors is in talks to develop a micro-hybrid version of its affordable, though not-yet available, Nano car, according to Indian news channel CNBC-TV18.

The micro-hybrid system does not actually include hybrid fuel technology; it is the so-called start-stop system found in hybrid electric vehicles that turns the engine off when the vehicle is idling.

Such a system can cut fuel use and emissions by 5-10 percent. CNBC-TV18 reported Tata is discussing the micro-hybrid system with German engineering company Bosch, which already supplies the fuel and braking system for the Nano.

Tata first presented the Nano in January 2008, calling it The People's Car and saying the $2,500 vehicle (the addition of the micro-hybrid system could increase that cost by up to a couple hundred dollars) would be available in India by late 2008.

Production has been delayed, though, due to land issues related to Tata's manufacturing plants.

The company now plans to start churning out Nanos in small batches late this year.

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Source: GreenBiz