PTI

New Delhi, Jan 21: Tatas should ensure that low-income people are given a preference in bookings for the Rs one lakh car Nano to prevent the richer strata from grabbing the cheapest car from the word go, a senior BJP leader said.

Apprehending black marketing of the Nano by 'rich agents', BJP National Secretary Vijay Goel asked Ratan Tata to give preference to lower income group while making bookings for the car whenever it is ready for a commercial launch.

In a letter written to Tata, who is the Chairman of Tata Motors, Goel said precautionary measures should be taken while booking the car in order to avoid black marketing or hoarding.

"My fear is that at the time of booking, it is possible that the richer agents of the black market may book the car or even someone who can afford a bigger one may block the car from reaching the target consumer," The former Union Minister said.

To prevent the same, it would be a great idea to take some precautionary measures and give some preference to those who come from a lower-income group, he added.

He said asking for income tax return or some other proof at the time of booking could help in identifying the income class of the consumer.

Tata Motors on January 10 had unveiled its much-awaited small car, which has been positioned as an affordable personal mode of transport for the family which travels on two-wheelers.

The cheapest car in the world 'Tata Nano', which caught the fancy of people during the 9th Auto Expo, will be commercially launched in the second quarter of this fiscal. It has inspired many global companies, including Renault and Hyundai, to plan low- cost cars for the Indian market.