Tata Nano, World's Cheapest Car, Hits India Auto Expo

Today, India's car giant, Tata Group, unveiled a $2,500 car — the world’s cheapest. Though small, the compact Tata Nano is massively powerful — perhaps not on the road, but certainly with respect to global development and environmental degradation.

Aside from causing migraines for traffic engineers, safety advocates and urban sprawl combatants, the Tata Nano will no doubt incite widespread panic among environmentalists. According to the Chicago Tribune, Chief U.N. climate scientist Rajendra Pachauri says, "I am having nightmares" about the prospect of the low-cost car.

At such a price, the Nano would penetrate India’s 1.1 billion (and growing) population and ever-expanding middle class. Millions would hit the country’s already clogged and dangerous roads — emissions will increase exponentially.

Tata Group’s chairman, Ratan Tata, however, is touting the mini car as an environmental pro. Tata says the car will meet safety standards and pollute even less than motorcycles — a popular vehicle in India. According to the Tribune, “Tata Group claims the Nano will pass domestic and European emission standards, while averaging about 50 miles per gallon.”

For now, the Tata Nano will be available only in India. As the story goes, however, Tata Group plans to export it in the near future. Less intervention, the Tata Nano would quickly penetrate the world’s developing markets. In no time causing unprecedented global change and record carbon dioxide emissions.

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