In the biggest-ever replacement exercise in Indian automobile history, Tata Motors has asked an estimated 140,000 Nano owners to bring back their cars for change of the starter motor free of cost.
Vehemently denying this is a recall, the company said it was changing the old starter motor with a new and 'better' one, an exercise that will reportedly to cost the firm around Rs 110 crore.
"We have devised a better starter motor and so we are upgrading it in our old Nanos for improved performance. We have not received any complaint for this and this is not a recall," a Tata Motors spokesperson said.
The company started the exercise in October and has already replaced the starter motor in about 50,000 Nano units, he added.
When asked about the total number of cars that will be covered under this replacement activity, the spokesperson said: "We will change the part in all the old Nanos that were sold before launching the Nano 2012 in November."
According to Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers data, Tata Motors has sold a total of 140,428 Nano units till November, 2011, since the car's launch in 2009.
On November 21 this year, Tata Motors introduced an upgraded Nano with a facelift, a more powerful engine, better fuel efficiency and new features, while keeping the price the same, in a bid to boost sales.
Asked about the cost of replacing the starter motors, the spokesperson declined to comment. However, as per reports, the company is likely to incur a total outgo of Rs 110 crore for replacing the key component, which is responsible for starting the engine.