The 'people's car' to go places after Auto Expo

Delhi's Auto Expo starting January 10 will not be the only place where Tata Motors will display its competitively priced Rs 1 lakh car, which will be the cheapest car in the world.

After showcasing the yet-to-be-named car (Ratan Tata calls it "the people's car") in the capital, the company is planning a similar splash at the Geneva Motor Show in March, a company spokesman confirmed.

This will be a prelude to entering the competitive European market.

The Geneva show will mark the first time a small car will be unveiled at an international auto show before its commercial launch in India, scheduled for September or October.

No test drives will be allowed at the Delhi Auto Show. Howevr, it is not clear whether they will be allowed in Geneva.

Tata Motors has already shown interest in launching the car in markets that resemble India. A joint study is being conducted with Italian partner Fiat in Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. Italy is another possibility.

Auto experts said the European foray is part of a strategy to maintain respectable margins on the car.

The car, which is to be sold in sizeable numbers (the target is up to 1 million a year by 2010-11), is expected to find a market among middle-income buyers looking to upgrade from two-wheelers.

The car will also target buyers of used compact vehicles and mid-sized sedans.

The Geneva Motor Show has been a happy hunting ground for several Tata vehicles including concept cars.

The company had unveiled the pick-up Cliffrider (to be launched in India), the Elegante sedan, the TL Sprint among other models at the Swiss show.

The recently launched 2.2 litre Safari Dicor was also displayed there.

Other than the Rs 1 lakh car the company may also showcase the new Indica and Indigo at Geneva this spring. Both cars will be launched in India, later this year.

The small car will be produced at more than one manufacturing plant, apart from the upcoming plant in Singur, West Bengal. Its facilities in Uttarkhand, Pune and Lucknow are other options.