The Tata Nano is a global model for Tata Motors and the international journey will commence with the launch of the cheapest car in the world in Nepal. Sipradi Trading Pvt Ltd, the Kathmandu-based Nepali company is the sole dealer for Tata vehicles in the Himalayan republic. Five Tata Nanos are arriving in Nepal for the customary test-drive before the launch. The pricing has not been decided, nor have the bookings begun, but the price is expected to be around Rs. 500,000 in Nepal. Indian cars dominate Nepal’s car market with Hyundai, Maruti and Tata vehicles being the most sought after cars.
“The first five cars will be test-driven in different locations in Kathmandu, including hilly terrain and downhill, to gauge the Nano’s suitability for Nepal’s roads,” said Pravin Khatiwada, head of Sipradi’s Passenger Car Business Unit division. “Tata has promised us that the first Nanos for sale would arrive in the first quarter of 2011, soon after manufacturing begins in full swing at the new Tata plant in Gujarat’s Sanand,” he added.