Click on the image above to view more of the Tata Nano
To build the cheapest, simplest car in the world, Indian automaker Tata is turning to the makers of the fastest, most complicated supercar on the road. Makes sense, right? More so than you might think.
Caparo, it was recently announced, has been contracted to supply body structures for the new Tata Nano. But the materials specialist firm that makes the T1 supercar is sourced by a number of low-cost vehicle manufacturers in India, including Ashok Leyland trucks, Eicher Motors, JCB and John Deere tractors, Hero Honda motorcycles and Suzuki Maruti. Caparo will focus on quality control at its new plant in Singur, India, from which it will supply its neighbor Tata with inner structural assemblies for the Nano.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
J.Crew @ Feb 11th 2008 3:33PM
Very cool, a car to call their own. This thing will sell like crazy if they launch it as promised.
NYChic @ Feb 11th 2008 3:57PM
Where's the handle you use to wind it up so that you can go?
??? @ Feb 11th 2008 4:02PM
There is nothing cool about this car, and selling like crazy is the last thing you want. Pray that a car like this never makes it to NA. Our roads would take you nowhere fast.
Chaz @ Feb 11th 2008 4:09PM
Don't worry, it's not coming to the US. That said, there's a Chicken and Egg thing about cool...
Bobby @ Feb 11th 2008 4:49PM
..or if you are dyslexic it is made by Crappo
wally @ Feb 11th 2008 4:51PM
Coming to USA not a problem.
Problem is millions can now buy a car thus more demand for Gas !!!!! Can you say $6-$7+ a gallon in 2 years
TwinTurbo3000GT @ Feb 11th 2008 6:31PM
never happen. Seriously, wasn't gas supposed to be that expensive already? actually...didnt they predict we would run out of gas completely by now? Just ignorant people spouting nonsense.
anyways...i love the little side air intakes, lol. Seriously, why bother. You're not looking cool driving this thing, fake side vents or no.
Ed @ Feb 11th 2008 10:05PM
Fuel costs more than that in the UK. £1.04 a litre equates to 7.64USD per US gallon by my calculations.
Anyway, I expect some of the estimates neglect to take certain things into account. For instance, if fuel becomes much more expensive, the uptake of the Nano in place of mopeds will be a lot less etc. I don't know.
Alex @ Feb 11th 2008 5:18PM
hmm...the front looks a lot like a prius, seems like somebody is copying Toyota : )-
Level @ Feb 11th 2008 5:28PM
This car can come to the US only if they fit it some batteries and keep it govern limited to 25mph...
TwinTurbo3000GT @ Feb 11th 2008 6:34PM
lol, what's the matter? dont wanna do 70mph in a poorly built plastic bubble with wheelbarrow wheels?
Bobby @ Feb 11th 2008 7:18PM
No, this thing should stay in India where it is being built and more importantly, designed for!
It may be unsafe for US and other developed countries roads but on Indian roads where the underprivileged family more often than not, packs 3-4 people on a two wheeled scooter or motorcycle, this thing is much safer.
I would have my family enclosed in vehicle with some safety features built into it rather than witness my family's death being thrown from a two-wheeler...especially if I can now afford it!
Fatima @ Feb 11th 2008 8:45PM
Some people on here are really dumb. There are NO PLANS TO BRING THIS CAR TO USA. This car was made for the INDIAN market. and INDIAN roads.
It will NOT be sold in the US.
nikola @ Feb 11th 2008 8:59PM
This car gets over 50 miles a gallon. If even a 10th of the people that driving old, beat up, used cars (GAS GUZZLERS) switched to one of these, our gas prices would be almost as if george w. bush ever existed.
M @ Feb 12th 2008 12:09AM
(in my best homer simpson impression)
mmmmmmmm, never existed
clevershark @ Feb 12th 2008 12:49AM
If a wheel falls off you can probably get one the same size at the hardware store -- spares for wheelbarrows. They're so tiny.
Geir E @ Feb 12th 2008 7:11AM
Silly man, the vents are there because it is rear engined, and combustion requires oxygene. So they are not there to "look cool" - it is just an echonomical solution. This car is made so less fortunate people can afford it. Your Twin Turbo 3000GT however is made for people with a huge need to look cool, and with other needs than basic transportation.
And thinking bad about this car is rather selfish. Is it so bad the underdeveloped countries get the same benefits that you take for granted?
Shrawan @ Feb 12th 2008 9:59AM
we know that we will run out of electricity someday.. that doesn't stop us from buying electronic goods does it??...
bobby @ Feb 12th 2008 12:00PM
Wrong, electricity can be created from natural forces (water, wind, sun) at a fraction of the time it than petroleum which takes millions of years to be created from decomposition of minerals.
So we're not going to run out of electricity any time soon. Worry about running out of gasoline first.
Michael @ Feb 16th 2008 9:12PM
Daaaaamn, look at those rims!