Tata Nano Hybrid In The Works, First Customised Nano Revealed

RATAN TATA, Chairman of Tata Motors - India's biggest vehicle manufacturer - has confirmed this week that a hybrid version of the Nano is in development.

Speaking with South Korea's The Maeil Business Newspaper, Mr Tata said the Indian carmaker is planning to produce the world's most affordable hybrid, thanks to the Nano's already low AU$3950 price.

Mr Tata did not elaborate on the company's hybrid plans, and specific technical details are unknown.

For now, three versions of the 624cc petrol-engined Nano are available: the basic Nano ($3950) and the more luxurious CX and LX variants which add 'luxury' features such as air-conditioning, central locking, alloy wheels and painted bumpers, topping out at 185,000 Rupees ($4750).

While the Nano is currently only available in India, plans are underway to export a slightly larger and more powerful version of the car to Europe by 2011.

Other world markets are set to follow after that, although Tata has not yet revealed where or when this might happen.

DC Design And CarNation Auto Reveal Customised Nano

INDIA'S DC DESIGN and CarNation Auto have teamed up to offer aftermarket styling options for the Tata Nano.

Bearing the tagline "The Artist Meets The Enabler", the joint project's products are expected to go on sale in India early next year. The fearsome result may appear a tad unlikely (cover your eyes kids).