Motoring for the Masses

Today marks the debut of the Tata Nano. Produced by Tata, an Indian motor company, the Nano will be the cheapest car in the world costing only $2,000 (100,000 Rs). Called the “people’s car”, the inexpensive Nano, Tata hopes, will bring motoring to the masses in India.

In addition to influencing the car market, the Nano will also undoubtedly affect the environment. Two sides have arisen in the debate over Tata’s future environmental impact. Tata spokespeople claim that their new vehicle will not add to the world’s carbon emissions. According to Tata, potential customers for the Nano already use and own motorcycles for transportation. The Nano’s CO2 emissions are less than that of most motorcycles in India so, at worst, total emissions by the Nano will be equal to current emissions from motorcycles in India.

Environmentalists level two points against this claim. First, they say that the fuel efficiency of the Tata will be negated by the increase in total vehicles on the road. Presumably, the Nano will flood the Indian auto market and increase the total number of cars on the subcontinent. More vehicles will amount to more traffic and widespread gridlock will lead to decreased fuel efficiency. Second, even if the Nano is fuel efficient now, it will encourage first-time buyers to purchase less fuel efficient cars in the future. Automakers will attempt to entice customers to larger cars in the future by using the Nano as a “gateway vehicle” to the dream of owning an SUV. Sounds like an environmentally dangerous proposition.