![It definitely needs 22\" rims.](https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/tata-nano-1.jpg "It definitely needs 22\\" rims.")
Tata's Nano will officially become the world's cheapest car when it hits the Indian market this October. Sure, Tata blew its 1 Lakh ($2,500) price target, thanks to rising steel costs, but demand is still expected to exceed supply. Or so says Tata Chairman Ratan Tata [via Automotive News, sub]. Judging by the number of variants said to be in development, Tata's putting his money where his mouth is. A diesel version is on the way, and electric or compressed-air models could be next. And adding eco-friendly drivetrains can only help if the Nano actually attempts a launch in Europe in four years, as is rumored. After all, as an EV the Nano's weaknesses (made of cardboard, rolls in crosswinds) are actually strengths (light, cheap). And at the price point, it's more than competitive with the Zap Xebras of the world (pending a convincing road test). This may be why Automotive News Europe (sub) reports that Fiat is considering selling the Nano. "We have held talks about the Nano being marketed in markets where Fiat has already a strong presence," says Ratan Tata. "I am open to consider a partnership." Which means we'll all be able to buy the Tata Nano with a Fiat badge at a MINI store in, say, 2010?
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Could it be worse than a Zap? For the cost of a Zap, I guess I could get a Tata Nano and put a real transmission, driveline, and wheels in it that would allow me to go faster than its currently reported 45 mph top speed; oh, and still save money. Come on Tata, do all that for me; I can afford $5,000. Seriously, if they want to enter the western markets in meaningful numbers, they need to build a car that can leave the city.
I’m waiting for GM’s announcement that a rebadged Nano will be sold as the 2nd-gen Aveo.
No, seriously, since this thing is clearly built to the same rigorous engineering standards as Malibu Barbie’s Dream Car, at least we can count on it never making it stateside. At $2,500 a pop, there’s no way this thing will pass strict American safety requirements…though for that price, crash-testing them would sure be convenient.
Didn’t they already try something like this with the City Rover ? Couldn’t they bypass all the talks with Fiat and just stick a Land Rover or Jaguar badge on it, if you’re going to badge engineer you might as well use a badge that (some) people aspire to.
This is the car Al Gore envisions all Americans (except himself) be required to drive.
What’s more, Michael Moore is fat! Ha ha!
I don’t think the US is a destination market at this time. Too many regulations and requirements would increase the size, weight, price, and many other factors of what makes the Nano the Nano.
Sure would seem like an Apple iPod line-up though:
Mini
Nano
Nevermind, that’s all I’ve got.
hltguy Says:
July 25th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
This is the car Al Gore envisions all Americans (except himself) be required to drive.
Agree, unless there is a limo version. :D
Now does it also come with pedals?
This car was never meant for American consumption. It’s basically a gap between cheap three-wheel runabouts and scooters, and the more expensive foreign fare. It’s sort of the modern Model T for Indian households.
Not too many people push hard for a car of that size anyways, the reason becoming self-evident the moment a 18-wheeler nearly knocks you off the road with only its gust.
“thanks to rising steel costs”
They got steel in that thing?
Note to Tata:
IF the Nano can be beefed up to meet our safety standards, go 80 mph, and be sold for around $5,000 PLEASE sell it on eBay, Amazon, or Craig’s List. Sell it through any channel except our damn car dealers.
to sitting@home:
Tata actually own the Rover name as well as Land-Rover and Jaguar. It is quite possible they will use it on certain models.
Holiday in India every year. Looking at this ugly looking contraption and knowing the driving conditions in India there is no way you could tempt me to enter one of these death traps. Every India is a budding F1 driver. Built for Indians this is no vehicle for any western country