The Tata Nano, the global 'value' segment and the implications for the traditional automotive industry regions

Peter Wells

Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, 2010, vol. 3, issue 3, 443-457

Abstract: This paper provides a case study of the Tata Nano, a low-price car designed primarily in and for the Indian market, and its implications for the developed industrial markets. While the Nano is a classic 'disruptive' innovation in an Indian context, this paper argues that the car and its emulators have the potential to undermine the viability of the European automotive industry whose business is premised on technological sophistication, premium branding and high price. In an era of greater austerity, the 'value for money' segment is the one with global growth potential in emergent markets as well. The paper concludes that policy makers in Europe will need to decide how to react to the rather different vision of automobility offered by the Nano. Copyright 2010, Oxford University Press.

Date: 2010
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Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society is currently edited by Judith Clifton, Anna Davies, Betsy Donald, Emil Evenhuis, Stefania Fiorentino (Associate Editor), Harry Garretsen, Meric Gertler, Amy Glasmeier, Mia Gray, Robert Hassink, Dieter Kogler, Michael Kitson, Linda Lobao, Charles van Marrewijk, Ron Martin, Peter Sunley, Peter Tyler and Chun Yang

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