Daily Auto News Tata Nano: World's Cheapest Car Could Come to U.S.
Daily Auto News
Today, the least expensive car you can buy in the United States retails for just under $10,000. If an Indian company gets its way, in a few years, that sum could buy you five cars.
Reuters reports, “The Tata Motors Nano, the world’s cheapest car at around $2,000, will hit Indian roads in July and, with demand set to far outstrip supply, the first 100,000 owners will be picked at random.” India will be the little car’s first market, but “A European variant will be launched by 2011, and the company is also looking at the United States as the economic situation has made low-cost cars even more attractive.” The U.S.-bound Nano probably wouldn’t carry the $2,000 price tag. Company Chairman Ratan Tata told India’s Economic Times “The product would come with some changes but at attractive prices. There’s a niche now that didn’t exist earlier. But, it will have to wait for a while for us to develop a car compliant with the emission and safety norms.” Tata says “The car is designed to meet European standards,” but in order to reach those markets,” Some additional air bags need to be put and then the car has to go through the validation process which will take some time.” He believes the Nano will meet European standards by 2011, but says “The Nano will need some redesigning for the US market which will take three years.” The U.S. market isn’t entirely unfamiliar to Tata. The company bought both Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford last year, though it seems doubtful that Tata could sell the world’s least expensive car through its luxury U.S. dealerships. The Nano that exists today is revolutionary for its simplicity. Edmunds Inside Line reports, “Base models do without power steering, power brakes, or even door pockets.” The car is powered by an inline two-cylinder, 624 cc-engine making 33 horsepower, with a four-speed manual transmission. The engine is rear-mounted, and the Nano is rear-wheel-drive. The Nano’s top speed is reportedly 65 mph, though Edmunds reports, “A more powerful model – with additional safety and convenience features – is expected to be sold in Europe.” More upscale models are offered. Kicking Tires notes, “The CX model gets you heat, A/C, powered brakes and a fold-down rear seat. The high-end LX gives you full fabric seats, power windows and locks, a front cupholder and a rear spoiler.” In its current configuration, Autoblog Green reports, the Nano “is certified by the Automotive Research Association of India to give the Nano an amazing 23.6 kpl (56 mpg U.S.). That gives it not only the highest fuel rating of any other Indian petrol-powered car but also the lowest CO2 figure.” Still, some critics contend the Nano will increase worldwide pollution by putting an internal combustion engine within reach of millions who haven’t been able to afford one in the past. Auto industry observers will be watching the Nano’s progress closely. Some believe that, if it succeeds, it could alter a decades-long progression toward more expensive, more elaborate cars that take a bigger chunk out of family budgets. Sorabjee, editor of Autocar India, told the Seattle Times, “The Nano should make global automakers stop loading their cars with costly gadgets people don’t really want.” Some industry analysts say the success of the Smart ForTwo has proven that Americans in some circumstances will buy tiny cars that fulfill a more limited, urban transportation need. Perhaps now, a tiny car that costs one sixth of the Smart’s price might find a niche in developed markets as well. Other automakers certainly think so. “Bajaj Auto, Renault and Nissan have teamed up to make a car that is to wholesale for $2,500 in India by 2011.” If you’re in the market for a new car, check out the US News rankings of this year’s best cars as well as this month’s best car deals. Related with this news Japan Auto Store's other car news
