‘World’s cheapest Car’ Tata Nano to be discontinued from 2019

Tata Nano manufacturers Tata motors have confirmed that the Nano car is near extinction. The company confirmed that the 10 year old car “in its present form cannot continue production beyond 2019”.

Tata Motors said that in June 2017, they had produced 275 units of the car, but in 2018 only managed to produce one unit of the car with zero imports. However, the discontinuation of the production of the car isn’t surprising, given the number of times the car has blown up and inconvenienced many.

The ‘People’s Car’ was deemed an ambitious feat by many, but failed in its delivery. Yet, it certainly benefited middle-class families in a world where the astronomical rates of cars almost made owning one a luxury. A stark dip in sales and exports, and losses amounting to an astounding Rs. 1000 crore  left them with no other choice but to discontinue manufacturing of the cars completely.

A statement released by Tata Motors read, “We are well aware that the Nano in its present form cannot continue beyond 2019 and may need fresh investments to survive. No decision has been made yet in this regard. Meanwhile, we continue to produce Nano catering to customer demand in key markets.”

Nano is the worst performing among all Tata manufactured automobiles and despite repeated attempts, sales failed to pick up speed. However, despite the ups and downs associated with the ‘World’s Cheapest Car’ during its 8-year run, the company stood by the product.

Tata Nano was launched in 2009 with much glamour and was also nick-name the ‘Lakhtakia Car’. The initial price of the car stood at Rs. 1 lakh, but shot up due to a quick increase in demand, and a surge in production costs.

As of now, the car is priced at Rs. 2.36 lakhs and above. However, despite its discontinuation, Tata Motors will continue importing the Nano, should there be a demand.