Tata Nano

The Tata Nano was a compact city car manufactured and marketed by Indian automaker Tata Motors over the period 2008–2018, primarily intended for the Indian market. Promoted as the "People's Car" and touted as the world's cheapest car, it was designed to appeal to families who typically rode motorcycles.

The Nano was envisioned as a safe, all-weather alternative to motorcycles for families, aiming to provide affordable transportation. Its initial price point was around ₹1 lakh (approximately US$2,500 at the time), though the price eventually increased. The car featured a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a small two-cylinder petrol engine.

Despite its ambitious goals and low price, the Tata Nano ultimately failed to achieve its projected sales figures. Several factors contributed to its lack of success, including perceptions of poor quality, negative publicity surrounding early safety incidents, and a brand image that became associated with being a "cheap" car rather than a practical and affordable option. Marketing strategies were later adjusted to position the Nano as a smart city car, but the initial perception proved difficult to overcome. Production was gradually phased out, and the Nano was discontinued in 2018. While commercially unsuccessful, the Tata Nano remains a notable example of an attempt to disrupt the automotive market with an ultra-low-cost vehicle.