This article was written before the launch of the car, so all details were not available.
The car complies with Euro IV emissions.
"Indian vehicles do not have to come in for regular inspections after they are on real roads, which often batter the systems that curb emissions."
Yes they do. Failure to comply leads to fines. In rural areas though (a key target market), enforcement is poor.
The article is trying to take the drama out of the headline, which is fine in the context of a developed market. However, for Indian conditions, its still a good step forward. There is no point in comparing the conditions in America with those in India. For example, it would be ridiculous to drive an Expedition in India. Even the politicians don't attempt that.
Most tiny cars seem to rely on airbags and electronic stabilization programs for safety. Since this one doesn't have any, it is bound to be less safe. However, once small spacious cars gain wider acceptance, their perceived safety will improve.
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Tata officials say the car will comply with all Indian norms. But they are changing. India’s major cities plan to adopt the Euro IV emissions standard in April 2010, requiring a 35-fold reduction in sulfur emissions over the current Euro III standard, according to Anumita Roychowdhury of the Center for Science and Environment in New Delhi.
New safety rules mandating air bags, antilock brakes and full-body crash tests are also coming, Ms. Roychowdhury said.
She said it was unlikely the car would be able to keep its populist price tag once those regulations take effect.
And the car may be less environmentally friendly than it claims. Unlike cars in the United States, Indian vehicles do not have to come in for regular inspections after they are on real roads, which often batter the systems that curb emissions.
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In most American cars, safety features alone cost more than $2,500, said Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in Arlington, Va. But, he added, “if what we’re talking about in India is people having the option of getting off the streets, from motorcycles and bicycles where they are at risk from bigger vehicles, this may actually be an improvement of the safety environment.”
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http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/08/business/worldbusiness/08indiacar.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&ref=asia&pagewanted=all&oref=slogin
