Feb. 26--NEW DELHI -- "Nano," the world's cheapest car, is to be launched March 23 in Mumbai and order taking will start from April, the manufacturer Tata Motors said in a press statement Thursday.

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

The car, which will sell for about $2,500, was originally planned to be launched in late last year, but it was delayed due to the shifting of its manufacturing site.

"Since its unveiling on January 10, 2008, the Tata Nano has evoked an unprecedented interest in (India), with its website having recorded over 30 million hits in the past one year and the creation of over 6,000 interest groups and communities," the Tata statement said.

The Nano has also triggered competition among auto companies, including Nissan-Renault, to make low-cost cars in India.

-----

To see more of Kyodo News International, go to http://www.kyodonews.com

Copyright (c) 2009, Kyodo News International, Tokyo

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

TTM,

A service of YellowBrix, Inc.