Tata to roll out Nano CNG

Auto major Tata Motors today said it plans to enter new globalmarkets such as Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesiaand Bangladeshwith the 'Nano' within a year, as well as launch a CNG version of the small carin the domestic market. The company also said it plans to invest Rs 3,000 croreon capacity expansion and various product development activities next fiscal.

"Nano CNG is clearly on the cards. We plan to launch it verysoon. Hopefully, we should be rolling it out this year," Tata Motors'Managing Director P M Telang told reporters on the sidelines of the Auto Expo2012 here. The company also said it is working on a different version of theNano for launch in the European market. "We might look for an appropriatecar for the European market. The current Nano, as it is introduced in the India,would probably have different emission and safety specifications from...that of theEuropean market. So it has to be a substantially different car," he added.

On expanding the market for Nano, the company said itis also looking beyond Sri Lankaand Nepal."Entering into markets like Bangladesh,Myanmar and other South-EastAsian countries like Thailandand Indonesiaare on the cards. This is the blueprint for a year," Telang added. He saidThailandcould be the first new market where the company would launch the Nano.   Asked if the company would considerassembling the Nano in Thailand,where Tata Motors has an assembly plant, he said: "We can't comment, but Iam also not ruling it out." He declined to comment on the plans forassembling the Nano in Latin America. On thecompany's plans for neighbouring Myanmar,Telang said: "We have set up assembly plant in Myanmar. Our commercial vehiclesare appreciated. As we go ahead, we are looking at the possibility of...launchingbus and small commercial vehicles there.