No to Nano March 24, 2009
Posted by preetischronicle in my country, this is me.trackback
The wonder small car was launched yesterday. The Nano that unleashes a small car revolution of the Maruti 800 variety. It will now become every family’s first car. Indian dreams of owning a car of the two most sought after luxuries of ‘ghar aur gaadi’ will be realised. While I am all for power to the Indian and the revolutionary $2000 car, that the US media calls it, I shudder to think what will become of the already over strained road network of our country. Traffic will worsen as all the bikers will switch to Nano and the already swelling upper class will not think twice before owning another car. Our government is doing very little to ensure that this car doesn’t end up making driving on roads a nightmare. The government should (a) Restrict Nano’s use to only city driving (ie local driving) (b) Ban the Nano from all metros (c) Begin to tax heavily the luxury segment cars (some very rich class, won’t mind paying another lakh or 2 to get the car of their desire) (d) Use this money to improve the transport system.
As of now, I am saying No to the Nano. What about you?
Hi Preethi
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Hoping to share a lot of mommy & baby experiences going forward….
My blog :
http://www.sunshineofourlife.blogspot.com
Waiting to hear from you.
Thanks, so much.
Hitha
Yeah cheaper cars mean more cars on the road, and terrible traffic conditions.
In Singapore, the govt. charges a COE (Certificate of Entitlement) over and above the price of the car, sometimes the COE is higher than the actual price of the car. This is to restrict the # of cars on the road. Maybe the Indian Govt. can think of something like that.
Erm, I’d like to differ.
I do see it as a great and safe alterntaive to families on two-wheelers and travelling by autos. As far as the better off middle class taking advantage of it, well I think Tata Motors has a certain number of car sales put down to only those people for whom the Nano will be their first car. I love the possiblity of every one having a go at having their own car. We’ve gone on and on about level playing feild, this is it, potholes and dung cakes and all.
The argument of pollution has the same shades that India fights against at places like the G20. The first-world countries have had a go at progress and more than made their dent in world climate. Now that they’re owning up to the mess they’ve made, they expect developing countries, who are still struggling to break even, grow green. Idealistic, but not possible.
Hitha : Thank you so much.
Priyanka : But a COE over Nano, will defeat the entire idea of it being the $2000 car.
NM : hmm.. you have a point. But I would still love to see them off the metros. I am happy as long as they are happening in smaller towns.