A Nano step for mankind

As the world's cheapest car unveils in Mumbai today, Pune will have to wait till the first week of April to get a glimpse of the car.

As the world's cheapest car unveils in Mumbai today, Pune will have to wait till the first week of April to get a glimpse of the car.

The much-awaited Tata Nano will be launched today, but Pune customers will have to wait till the first week of April to get a glimpse of the car. That's when bookings will also start.

Mean machine: The Nanos arrived after 12.30 am in Mumbai after a stopover at Vashi.

And three Tata Motors dealers in the city Pratham Automobiles, Pandit Automotive and BU Bhandari Auto Limited are busy answering enquiries about the car even though there has been no communication from Tata Motors as yet.

The company has been mum about the pricing and also when the car will be available for display at the showroom.

Enquiries

"We believe official notification regarding pricing, bookings and other procedures will be made only after the launch," said Mandar Tamhane, director of Pratham Automobiles.

Krupal Shah from Pratham said they've been fielding enquiries from buyers for over a year now. "We kept a drop box at our showroom and received more than 2,500 enquiries for the Nano in about a year's time," he said.

Sources at Pandit Automotive Ltd said, "Even people who have multiple cars are interested in buying the Nano. Many working women have shown interest in the Nano.

Also, people returning home from work stop at our showroom to enquire about the Nano and its booking procedure."

Buyers excited

Meanwhile, Puneites can't wait for the car to go on sale. "I will surely go for the Nano because Pune's roads are becoming unsafe for two-wheelers day by day.

Also, with Nano's price is a huge attraction," said Medha Kulkarni, who works with a nationalised bank.

Added Sandip Warke, a pharmaceutical trader, "I am considering buying the Nano, as it's only a little more expensive than a bike and I will be able to travel with my family very safely."

Apart from the dealers, Nano's booking forms, which cost approximately Rs 300, will be available at all State Bank of India branches, Croma and Westside stores.