Nano scores on emission ranking

Tata Motors Ltd. claims that its 624 cubic centimeter gasoline-engine Nano, launched in March, has the lowest carbon dioxide (CO2) emission level among small cars on the market. According to the company, the Nano emits 10 grams (g) of CO2 per kilometer (km), among the lowest in the world for its class. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.’s A-Star, fitted with the company’s K10 B engine, emits 109g of CO2 per km, while Hyundai Motor Co.’s Kappa engine-equipped i10 car generates 11g of CO2 per km. Tata Motors said it will initially produce the Nano at a factory at its factory in Pantnagar, in the northern state of Uttarakhand, which can make 50,000-60,000 cars per year. A dedicated plant for the Nano is being built in the western state of Gujarat. It is expected to be operational in December 2009 or the first half of 2010 and is expected to be able to make 250,000 cars per year. (April 9/11, 2009)