“A promise is a promise,” said Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Motors, on 10th January, 2008, when the Nano was first displayed at the Auto Show in Delhi. The Nano project didn’t grab the attention of only Indians; the entire world had their eyes glued to the world’s cheapest car.As time progressed the hype grew, but the Singur controversy seemed to cool things down. With increment in steel prices, critics became doubtful about Tata’s promise. But as William McDougall once said, "will is character in action."

 

Despite the economic slowdown, Tata has begun construction work of its Nano plant at Sanand, Gujarat. Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. is building the factory and the road network for the Tata Group. This plant is expected to be ready by the end of 2009. For the moment, Tata has decided to look to its Pantnagar and Pune plants for the Nano until the Gujarat plant is ready. The Tata Nano should hit Indian roads during the initial months of 2009