OREANDA-NEWS. Tata Nano CNG emax is the first of the five brands in the CNG emax series to be rolled out.

In an attempt to resuscitate the small car Nano, Tata Motors on Tuesday launched the CNG version of the car called Nano CNG emax. With a starting price of Rs 2.45 lakh (ex-showroom Ahmedabad), the new variant will be available across CNG markets like Delhi, Gujarat, parts of Maharashtra and Lucknow. Tata Nano CNG emax is the first of the five brands in the CNG emax series to be rolled out. Indigo and Indica are likely to follow suit in coming months.

Launching the vehicle in Ahmedabad, Ankush Arora, sr vice-president, passenger vehicle business unit (commercial), Tata Motors, said, “At Tata Motors, the core philosophy behind the launch of every new vehicle is anticipating what our customers need and blending it with the best-in-class technology and design engineering.”

The sales of Tata Nano, which was pegged as the world's cheapest car, has not lived up to the company's expectations, with the year 2012-13 clocking in sales of little over 50,000 units. The Sanand plant of Tata Motors, which manufactures the Nano, has an annual capacity of 2,40,000 units. However, it works at around 10% of the installed capacity at 2,000 units per month in single shift. There were hopes of 10-15% growth, but the market and current economy has not been favourable.

“It has taken everyone by surprise. We are constantly evaluating our manufacturing plans.” said Arora.

Tata Nano has also come under scanner because of incidents of fire in the car. The new Tata Nano CNG emax complies with safety standards. “We have taken corrective steps and Nano complies with safety standards. It also comes with a factory-fitted fire extinguisher as per the rules.”

At about R66/kg, CNG is perhaps the costliest in Gujarat, but with a mileage of 36 km to a kg, the company claims that Tata Nano CNG emax to be “best CNG vehicle with running cost lowest than any other car”.