Tata's New Car - $ 2600 or Rs 100,000

11 January 2008 |

Posted by Santosh Puthran

It is a pleasant surprise to read the Independent newspaper "Can the world afford this car?" British Press has given this car fair amount of publicity both on press and TV.

BBC - World's cheapest car goes on show
Times - Tata Nano - world's cheapest new car is unveiled in India
Financial Times - Tata’s new $2,600 car

There was mixed reviews. The Tata's hailing it to be a peoples car whereas the greenpeace supporters were concerned about pollution in over congested Indian roads. The positive aspect is that it force the Government of India to speed up the infrastructure projects.

Tata Motors are going global on their own brand they are targetting the markets in Latin America, SouthEast Asia and Africa for Tata Nano range. Currently Tata's are in negotiations and is a top contender to buy Land Rover and Jaguar, UK.

Link to video debate

I am very happy that India companies (non - IT) are growing globally.

There is incident that I wish to tell. I was part of SAP 4.6c implementation in Tata Motors. I remember how much the senior management were focussed on product costing and management accounting reports. During the implemetation, there was a issue about Bulk Materials (Bulk materials are used in small quantities of low value, so these items are not taken into account when costing an order.) Production Planning were happy to treat small items as bulk however Management Accountants were of the opinion that management is interested to know each and every component in making of car or chassis. The issue was later resolved.

Tata Motors actively promotes and helps employees in finance and cosing department to pursue ICWAI qualifications. If you are employee of Tata's, please check your HR policies. During my working in Tata Motors SAP implementation, I had seen many cost accountants at every level of company.

Tatas are known in UK for

Tata's. Keep it up.