Tata Nano in fire controversy

Tata, the Jaguar Land Rover owner and maker of the much-vaunted 'world's cheapest car', is in hot water after a spate of spontaneously combusting Nanos has been reported by angry Indian customers.

The Nano costs the equivalent of £1,300 and went on sale in March to a clamouring Indian public, with demand so high that a 'lottery' was drawn to determine who would get the first batch of cars. However, according to The Times, three owners in succession have reported seeing their cars ablaze for apparently no reason.

Tata claims the fault is a short circuit on the switch in the indicator stalk that controls the headlights and windscreen wipers, but refuses to undertake a mass recall to fix the problem, denying that the fires even occurred; the problem was simply "minor smoking" according to the maker. However, it is believed Tata will invite customers whose cars have already been delivered to return and have their cars inspected.

A 2011 release is still scheduled for the European spec Nano, which will cost at least twice as much but be furnished with a bigger engine and basic safety features like a pair of airbags.

Mark Nichol