In order to cater to and cash in on the rising demand for diesel powered cars, Tata Motors is planning to introduce a diesel version of the small car Nano. The proposed engine which will be developed in India will be the world’s smallest diesel engine. According to the company, the plan is still in a preliminary stage and there is no time frame for the launch of such a model.
An 800cc twin cylinder turbo charged diesel engine will be developed by the company. Apart from the Nano, Tata may also use the diesel engine for its range of light commercial vehicles such as the Ace. The development of an engine from scratch is first of its kind for the company. Until now the engines brought from its overseas operations were modified according to the requirements of the Indian cars.
According to industry analysts, Tata Motors would need to ensure that the Nano remains a lightweight car even with a diesel car. Usually, diesel engines are heavier than petrol engines and produce more vibration. Moreover, the fuel efficiency of the car would also be have to kept in mind, failing which the purpose of a diesel engine in the Nano would be lost.