NEW DELHI - INDIA'S Tata Motors announced on Thursday the snub-nosed Nano, billed as the world's cheapest car, will be launched next month.

'The much-awaited Tata Nano will be launched at a function in Mumbai on March 23,' said Tata spokesman Debasis Ray.

'It will be a big day for the company,' he told AFP, adding details about pricing and distribution would be announced at the launch.

The sporty-looking four-door Nano has drawn worldwide attention due to its planned price tag of just 100,000 rupees (S$3,064) for the basic model, which would make it the world's cheapest car.

The cars will be on display at Tata Motors dealerships from the first week of April. Bookings will start from the second week of April.

Tata Motors was making arrangements for the widest possible network to book the car - 'across the length and breadth of India,' Mr Ray said. -- AFP