Tata hands over keys to first 3 Nano buyers

On the verge of retirement, government servant Ashok Vichare is the first customer to get his hands on the people's automobile Nano. It is a reminiscent of the euphoria surrounding the delivery of the first Maruti 800 26 years ago.
The scenario repeated when the crowds watched eagerly as Ratan Tata handed the keys to the first two customers at a Mumbai Tata Motors showroom.
Vichare, a custom officer said, "I am the first owner of the Nano in the world. It is like a dream come true. I would take it to Siddhivinayak temple and go for a drive on a Bandra Worli sea-link with my relatives."
So, the deliveries have finally begun. The automobile was first conceived as Ratan Tata's dream in 2003, which was first revealed in January 2008 and was meant for release last year.
Tata is trying to reach as lots of customers as possible in the shortest possible time. But due to production constraints it may take the company over a year and half to deliver the first lot of two lakh cars.
Maruti Bhandare, a cobbler as well as a Nano allottee, could well be two of the last.
The Pantnagar plant will churn out 50,000 cars a year while the Sanand plant is under construction in Gujarat, which will begin its operations by early next year.
The real check for the Nano begins now, as it hits the roads and there’s lot of skepticism about how it will perform on the road.
Auto gurus who have tested the cars are giving thumbs up to the automobile.
Bijoy Kumar, editor of BS Motoring, said, "The automobile came out with flying colours. It is as quick as Indica and it is performing adequately. It is performing well for the intention it is made and sold for. People shouldn't expect miracles from it as it's the small engine, which is capable. This slightly exceeds the expectations.”
Meanwhile, the production constraints could well turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Tata Motors as it churns out 1 lakh cars over the next year and half.
This gives the company time to expand its sales and service network, to ensure the automobile has support by the time it hits big volumes across India.
On the verge of retirement, government servant Ashok Vichare is the first customer to get his hands on the people's automobile Nano.