REPORT: First Tata Nano delivered to customer in Mumbai [w/VIDEO]

The first customer to get a Tata Nano has taken delivery of the world's cheapest car today. Tata Motors delivered the car to a Mr. Ashok Raghunath Vichare of Mumbai who paid just 100,000 rupees ($2,053 U.S.) for the car. The Nano went on sale earlier this year and has been a source of endless discussion since it was announced in early 2008. While incredibly cheap, other numbers for the tiny car are also impressive: the Automotive Research Association of India has rated the Nano at 56 miles-per-gallon U.S., and the car produces emissions of just 101 grams of CO₂ per km.

The Indian market is only the first step for the Nano – A Euro-spec model recently passed European crash tests and the car is still scheduled to come to the U.S. at some point in the not-too-distant future. Click on the gallery below or check out a video of the first Nano handover ceremony after the jump.

[Source: Tata Motors]

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PRESS RELEASE

Tata Motors delivers first Tata Nano in the country in Mumbai

Mumbai, July 17, 2009: Tata Motors is pleased to announce that Mr. Ashok Raghunath Vichare of Mumbai has become the first customer in India of the Tata Nano. Mr. Vichare received his choice, the Tata Nano LX (Lunar Silver), at the hands of the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, at the company's dealership, Concorde Motors, today.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tata said, "I hope the Tata Nano will bring motoring pleasure to those who will be buying their first car as also those who currently own cars but want a modern, contemporary, emission-friendly city car."

Along with Mr. Vichare, two other customers, Mr. Ashish Balakrishnan (Tata Nano LX – Sunshine Yellow) and Kores India Limited (Tata Nano LX – Lunar Silver), also received their cars today.

As planned, Tata Motors has commenced deliveries of the Tata Nano this month to different towns and cities of the country. Despatches to dealerships have begun from the Pantnagar plant, where the car is being produced, in accordance with schedules informed to customers.