Business - NANO finds rival in OREVA-E

RAJKOT: Gujarat has created another irresistible ek-ka-do offer for the world: This time, in the dream-car segment. When Ratan Tata cruised into Gujarat, Nano was the globe’s cheapest car; now, a few days later, a Gujarati company has announced the impending launch of a small car that will match Nano’s price.

Ajanta Manufacturing Ltd, which makes electric bikes, said its Oreva e-car was specially designed to compete with the Nano. The company plans to launch its product around the same time as Nanos would roll out of the factory.

“After registering a strong presence in the e-bike segment, we are set to enter the electric-car category,” said Oreva e-car dealer Yogesh Tank. Jaysukh Patel, managing director, Ajanta Manufacturing Ltd however, refused to comment. “In fact, we have designed the car to rival Nano. That is why Oreva E will be available within the Rs1 lakh price range,” said Tank.

Oreva E’s launch has been delayed till the Nano sets its wheels into the market.

“Initially, we wanted to launch it in the last quarter of this financial year,” Tank said.
“But this is a trial model. Many elements could be changed in the final one,” he said, adding that the first model did not have an air-conditioner.

“But the AC option will be available by the time we launch the final model,” he said. The company has not yet begun production of the e-car.