World's cheapest car hits Mumbai streets

Indian automaker Tata Motors is set to launch its long-awaited 'Nano' model, the world's cheapest car, at the Mumbai finance centre.

The manufacturer hopes that strong demand for low-cost travel among India's large population will boost sales of the vehicle it has designed for the 'common man'. 

The company plans to roll out the Nano at a price of 100,000 rupees equivalent to just a little under 2000 US dollars. 

The Monday launching ceremony will include details on the booking process and other necessary information about the Nano, but order books will open next month. 

"The car will be on display at Tata Motors dealerships from the first week of April 2009. Bookings will commence in the second week of April," Tata Motors said. 

Dealers predicts that if the company keeps its promise of an ex-factory price of 100,000 rupees, then the standard model would cost somewhere around 120,000 rupees with taxes, insurance and registration fees included. 

Standard, deluxe and luxury versions of the 624-cc jellybean car will be available to costumers. The standard model will have no air-conditioning. 

The small and affordable car is expected to prove popular with the Indian middle-class, which is eager to trade in the two-wheeler for a safer vehicle.