I think the Tata Nano will be an interesting development and lots that I have to say about it doesn't particularly have to do with science. However, the issues that surround the Tata Nano are a good example of how breakthroughs in the field of transportation and energy don't exist in a vacuum.

First off, there isn't so much love to the car maker Tata in some parts of India. The original Nano manufacturing plant had to be shut down after locals protested that the government and company had illegally seized their land. Lots of the land that was seized as part of an imminent domain claim, was owned by families for several hundred years.

Secondly, Tata might not be able to survive long enough to make the Nano that popular. I'm no financial expert but, I think a B-- is a bad credit rating. That's what Standards and Poors downgraded Tata's credit to yesterday. The cash strapped company might have a new successful car on their hands, but even rampant sales of the cheap car might not add up to enough to keep the company afloat.

Ohh...and then yeah, there are the environmental concerns.

man i dont know about anyone else but personally i want an environmettal car that looks cool