Tata Motors - the automotive component of India-based Tata Group, recently unveiled it’s latest gem - the Tata Nano. The tiny 5-door car, which is being dubbed “The People’s Car“, costs the equivalent of A$3000, which Tata believes will help them to further expand their market to countries in the developing world.
Despite major technological advances being achieved during the manufacture of the Nano, which have resulted in over 34 international patents being filed, I can’t find any evidence that nanotechnology has actually been used! However, as Carol commented, there is huge potential for incorporating nano in the form of self-cleaning windows, stain-resistant materials for seating or even silica nanoparticles for wear-resistant tyres!
Lois | 19-Jan-08 at 4:35 am | Permalink
Would be interesting to explore whether other manufacturers could use the patented technology in bringing down their respective costs. I believe a lot of creativity went into bringing down the Nano’s cost - thanks to their ‘innovation around cost’ model.