Tata Motors of India has not yet decided whether to sell the Nano, touted as the world's cheapest car, in Thailand after officially calling off its 7-billion-baht plan to participate in the country's eco-car project.
If the Nano is introduced here, features or options will be added, says Mr Venkataraman.
''The Nano is actually developed for the Indian market, but if it is introduced in Thailand, features or options will be added to meet local needs,'' said Ajit Venkataraman, chief executive of Tata Motors Thailand.
Importing the 625cc Nano into Thailand would be costly since it would face a steep 80% customs duty and 25% excise tax. The car sells in India for as low as 70,000 baht.
To date Tata has not exported any Nanos as it is focusing on meeting local demand.
India's largest automaker is exploring opportunities to introduce a relevant passenger car model in the Thai market to replace the scrapped eco-car. The Nano is a choice among cars with engine sizes from 625cc to 1,400cc.
The Nano was first unveiled locally at the Bangkok Motor Expo last December and later at events upcountry to survey the market. There was strong interest in the cheap small car, especially from elderly people in urban areas.
Tata Motors was one of six automakers that applied for government incentives to manufacture an eco-car with at least an annual production capacity of 100,000 units in the fifth year of operation.
Tata withdrew as it expected tough competition given that other manufacturers had already started production.
It plans to introduce small cars suitable for the Thai market.
However, Tata confirmed it would produce other small cars in Thailand as the kingdom has a strong parts network.
It has established a strong foundation in Thailand with the Xenon pickup.
Tata has the same timeframe for alternative small car production in Thailand as the eco-car _ 2012.
But a senior executive of Tata Motors Thailand said an alternative small car should be introduced before other carmakers launch their eco-cars to beat the competition.
Relate Search: Ajit Venkataraman, Tata Motors of India, Bangkok Motor Expo
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