Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Some interesting tidbits about India. 1) The infrastructure and roadways are not equipped to accommodate the increase in the number of cars brought about by the appeal of a $2500 vehicle. All of India's six major cities have over-crowded roads with no signs of letting up. 2) Gas prices have stayed at or around $20/gal. With globalization and the overall increase in the standard of living, it would seem pertinent that people be able to afford this car and any other comparably priced used car. What these high gas prices have done however,is compel people to live closer together. High rises are common but the population density has increased ten-fold over the past decade in the major cities with huts (hence slums) springing up at perilous rates.3) there has been no corresponding increase in the water, electric and sewage systems to cater to this increased population density. Throw in robust corruption and you have a recipe for a public planning disaster. 4) Not once was there ever any mention of how Tata would ameliorate the hazardous driving conditions on already crowded streets. If Tata was so emboldened to cater to the greater masses, perhaps it should look at ways of dissipating the population to the suburbs through more cost-effective mass transit vehicles.
5) As if in stark contrast to all that the Nano is supposed to represent, Tata is now set to buy Jaguar and the Range Rover. So, here is a company that goes from making a car for the people to buying two behemoths vehicle manufacturers. The percentage of prospective owners for these high priced vehicles would be less than 1.
6) Finally, a visit to any of India's major cities would show some of the drawbacks of it's roadway system. When trash collectors are not striking and the cops feel like they should return to work and politicians feel nationalistic enough to not be corrupt, we will see roads devoid of trash and cows, free of pedestrians, cyclists, hawkers, panhandlers and auto rickshaws. That is until an 8-cylinder emerges that has no place on India's roadways.