Tata, the Indian car maker who brought Land Rover, have come up with a car for the Indian market in the 21st century, the Nano, costing only ?1,300 new.  A team of 500 engineers spent 5 years designing this and it is sufficiently innovative that they are applying for 34 patents.

This is what you get for ?1,300 . . .

Top speed 65mph
Engine rear-mounted 623cc, 33bhp multipoint fuel injection engine
Transmission continuous variable transmission
Fuel consumption 50mpg
Body sheet metal with crumple zones
Extras air conditioning and airbag optional. No radio, no power steering, one windscreen wiper

I think this a great example of innovation for the current situation.  I bet if they were to make it available in the UK there would be a queue of people wanting a brand new car for little Johnny rather than a banger.

Now is the time to change the game to suit you and your situation.  Now is the time to offer something radical to your customers.  Do you have any good examples of this you could share?

“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat”

“Innovation is the central issue in economic prosperity”   Michael Porter

Resources:

• Times article