CNBC-TV18 learns that production of the Nano at Pantnagar has been halted from the start of April and is expected to resume on April 12. Sources say there are issues with certain critical components, something Tata Motors has categorically denied.
Here is a verbatim transcript of Swati Khandelwal’s comments on CNBC-TV18.
The bookings for the Nano will kickstart in the next 24 hours but Tata Motors is still significantly behind their production schedule. CNBC-TV18 learns from multiple sources that Tata Motors' attempts to ramp up Nano production to 50 cars a day this month have come undone and it is in all probability producing under 20 cars a day.
Sources say in all Tata Motors has managed to produce about a 1,000 cars till date while over 50,000 booking forms have been sold so far.
A shut down post launch is surprising given the unprecedented demand for the Nano.
When asked specifically about the production halt, Tata Motors said, "Production and manufacturing details are internal to the company."
We also learn that Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata and Tata Motors MD Ravi Kant are expected to visit Pantnagar in the second half of April.
"Production and sales data of the Tata Nano will be made public by the company for July when deliveries of the car will commence," Tata Motors said.
We learn the company is facing problems related to certain critical components.
Sources say Tata Motors has apparently been struggling with this problem even before the car was launched on March 23. However, Tata Motors denied any problems.
"We categorically state that there are no issues with the crankshaft, crankcase, air intake system etc of the Tata Nano. The information is speculative and unwarranted," it stated.
We also understand that some suppliers have been asked to stock up for the moment.
So, this begs the question: With the production schedule going awry just how long will customers have to wait to get behind the wheels of the Nano?
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