Tata Nano goes public in Big Bazaar

Tata Motors has struck a deal with the Future Group to sell the Nano through the Group’s Big Bazaar consumer retail network. This tie-up is a first-of-its-kind move in the country’s passenger car segment. (The ITC-promoted e-choupal initiative for farmers displayed tractors at its rural malls)

The Nano will be displayed at 120 of Big Bazaar’s 148 outlets where prospective buyers who book it will get gifts such as gold coins, and vouchers worth Rs 1,500.

For Tata Motors, the tie-up is an additional sales channel that brings in an estimated 18 million footfalls every month. For the Future Group, this is a way to explore the business potential of adding a vehicle to its range of products.

Nano sales have picked up since December 2010 after the company announced a four-year warranty for existing and new customers. The company sold 8,262 Nanos in February which made it to the top 10 cars in terms of sales after a five-month gap.