Business & Innovation...

Lately, Tata Motors has been all over the press, from AutoblogGreen.com to the New Yorker. Let's bring everybody up to speed on what India's largest car manufacturer is up to, Q&A style.

Q. What is a Tata Nano?

A: This is Tata's latest auto, a teensy little thing that retails for $2,500. Tata fancies the Nano to be “the People's Car,” much like the Volkswagen Beetle when it debuted half a century ago. Its two-cylinder engine promises to get good gas milage with lower emissions than the two-wheelers putting around Delhi today. It comes in basic, deluxe, and luxury trim, but don't get too excited. One of the add-ons is a digital clock.

Q: Is Chrysler going to rebadge the Nano as its own and sell it in the U.S.?

A: Apparently not. There were rumors that Chrysler's electric vehicle arm, Global Electric Motorcars, was going to bring the Nano to the states as an electric Chrysler, but it that was no more than idle gossip.

Q: Are Chrysler and Tata working together at all?

A: Indeed they are. Chrysler's GEM division is bringing a battery-powered version of the Tata Ace to the U.S. later in 2008, according to Autobloggreen.com. They're planning on selling 10,000 in the first year and eventually ramp up to an ambitious 50,000 per year.

Q: Does Tata have any green initiatives of its own?

A: It's taking baby steps. First, it's pretty proud of this supposedly gas-sipping, low-emissions two-cylinder engine in the Nano. There are also reports that Tata is looking into biodiesel, hybrid engines, and fuel cells. This is a huge company, with 20,000 employees and $7 billion dollars in revenues last year for its motors division alone. Tata Group produces everything from tea to steel bearings, so they've got the capital to invest in alternative fuel technologies if they like.

Q: Speaking of capital, did Tata buy Jaguar?

A: Not yet. Jaguar and Land Rover are currently operating from England but under the wing of U.S.-based Ford Motor Company. With the Big Three fumbling for corporate footing lately, Tata has swooped in and made a play for a full stake in the prestigious British brands. The whole shebang for both luxury auto companies is said to be worth $1.5-$2 billion.