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In what is termed as the biggest recall in the history of Indian auto industry, Tata Motors has recalled 1.4 lakh Nanos (pre Nano 2012) for the replacement of starter motor. The free of cost replacement will be carried out by the company through its dealers and is expected to cost the company close to Rs.115 crore. According to the company spokesperson, the replacement will cover the entire lot of Nanos produced since the launch of the mini car in 2009 and sold till November 21, 2011. If the exercise involves fitting the Nano 2012 starter is not clear yet. In case it is, then it can be assumed that the starter of the Nano 2012 is better, and probably more powerful and efficient than the one on the earlier model. A good gesture from Tata Motors for certain, the electric starter of Nano also assumes importance due to the fact that Tata Motors could in the near future offer a start-stop system, which would further increase the efficiency of this small car. Not as an add-on system on existing cars, but as a option on new cars.
The exercise of replacing the starter initiated in October 2011 by the company that has reulted in starters of over 50,000 Nanos already replaced, if the reasoning by the company spokesperson that the company was merely changing the old starter motor free of cost with a better one is anything to look at, the move seems to signal the fact that the Nano will indeed by offered with a start-top systems soon. Given the higher use of starter a start-stop system commands, the need for better battery in cars with start-stop mechanism is also driving automakers to look at Li-ion batteries. Li-ion batteries are however costlier than lead acid batteries, and therefore proving prohibitive for use in autos at the moment. Auto experts feel that the move to replace the starters of Nanos sold from 2009 is a good gesture on the part of the company. However it also hints at the supplier and the automaker working towards a starter than will be suitable for different versions of the Nano in the future, including the one with a start-stop systems and a diesel engine. Tata Motors is said to be testing the Nano diesel with a 700cc two cylinder diesel engine. A single starter could also help with substantial cost savings for the vehicle manufacturer as well as the supplier.
Having sold over 1,40,428 Nano between 2009 and November 2011 according to the data complied by SIAM, the spokesperson of the company declined to comment if the replacement of starters would cost the company a sum of Rs 115 crore. The Rs 115 crore replacement cost thus remains an estimate. A chunk of which is again expected to be borne by the supplier. Bosch is said to have supplied Nanos with starters, at least until the 2012 edition was launched.
The hype created during the launch at the 10th Auto Expo 2010 not withstanding, Tata Motors has unveiled a number of schemes to push sales. The most recent is an offer that presents a host of benefits, including a four- year free warranty and low cost maintenance contract at no extra cost.
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