REPORT: Tata pondering Nano launch for U.S. market
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tata Nano
Could an extremely inexpensive, minuscule little car like the Tata Nano actually sell in America, a land historically enamored with powerful V8 engines surrounded by as much sheetmetal as possible? According to the Financial Times, Tata Motors may be about to find out, as the Indian automaker is said to be looking at an introduction into the U.S. market by 2011 or 2012.
What makes Ratan Tata, chairman of the automaker that bears his name, think that his diminutive rear-engined machine might sell in the United States? The economy, of course. Americans may be willing to accept some of the sacrifices that would go hand-in-hand with owning the World's Cheapest Car, though the version likely to sell in the States would surely differ in major ways from what is now on sale in India.
If the Tata Nano were to hit the U.S. market, it would need to pass the same safety and emissions regulations as any other car currently sold in America. Those are not insurmountable tasks, however, as proven by the version of the Nano that's planned for European markets.
So far, there is no indication of how much a Tata Nano would cost in U.S. dollars if it were sold here.
Gallery: Tata Nano: The People's Car
[Source: Financial Times]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Spiel 2:01PM (3/24/2009)
Please don't.
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reddy 2:22PM (3/24/2009)
Check this.. its not that bad afterall.. maybe they could refine it for urban america
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sZitve3SUw
superman211 3:43PM (3/24/2009)
But it's the only car that you could afford to BUY and not rent lease or finance. Get real! This is what you need to drive if you don't have much money!
Say hello to your new best friend .. NANO!
ken_aisin 8:27PM (3/24/2009)
God, I pray to thee.... Please show some mercy and don't do this to us.
tekd 9:28AM (3/25/2009)
Well if the economy doesn't pick up this'll be the only car anybody can afford, lol.
Shyam 2:03PM (3/24/2009)
i'm all for it. will be interesting to see how it would do in the US market
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PJ 3:01PM (3/24/2009)
As an alternative to transporting your family of four on the back of a motorcycle, the Nano has tremendous appeal... as an alternative to a clapped-out $1K Buick, not so much. Besides, most of America is far too removed from poverty to see the relevance of choices like the former, at which point your brand becomes a late-night talk show punchline.
Aprime 4:53PM (3/24/2009)
...
You know, they could have the same appeal as netbooks...
Ken Stamper 5:08PM (3/24/2009)
If the quality and reliability are good, I really could see it becoming a kind of anti-status symbol akin to the original VW Beetle. Sure, it would have limited appeal, and the majority of us on here wouldn't even think of owning one. But there are plenty of anti-materialist types out there that would love to drive a car that will, presumably, be by far the cheapest car in the US so they can broadcast their ideology to the rest of us- much as greenies like to do with the Prius. If this car is cheap enough, it has an audience waiting.
Andrew 5:50PM (3/24/2009)
@Aprime
Yeah, because you trust your netbook with your *life*.
john 2:10PM (3/24/2009)
Keep It Out.
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scott 2:11PM (3/24/2009)
Even if it sells for $2000-$3000, I'd still buy any used car for that price before I'd buy a new Nano.
A Mid-90s Civic would still be 100x better than that pos.
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Patrick 2:15PM (3/24/2009)
I'd drive one....
....only if it has a Hayabusa swap though! :P
Jj 2:23PM (3/24/2009)
I see your point, but good luck finding a used 90's civic that hasen't been molested by some pep boys "tuner".
On the Nano: I think the whole thing is just the media looking for a headline. They probably did (or are doing) a study on all the markets they can in order to determine where best to branch next. They are just exploring options. I doubt anyone in the company really thinks the US is the next step (or any step) for the Nano. They are just studying the markets, as good business people do.
BLS 2:13PM (3/24/2009)
I predict:
$3,995 (same as Yugo and Hyundai Excel)
Bigger engine capable of 70 mph
Around 40 mpg
Sorry if this is a double post. First time didn't show up.
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montoym 6:25PM (3/24/2009)
If those are the specs, I'll gladly take my $3995 and buy a used car that can do much more than 70mph and also achieve 40mpg.
Many older small cars would fit that bill just fine.
I'm really not seeing the appeal of the Nano for Americans. It would be as much(if not more) of a laughingstock as the Yugo was. The Yugo sold just over 141K copies in the 6yrs it was available here in the US. Almost 1/3 of those sales were in 1987 alone.
chan625 2:15PM (3/24/2009)
The model shown here is only for sell in India
If they sell in the US that will be the Europa version which is better looking and will come most equipement..
but still it wont be a most intelligent decision even with this economic slowdown
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Alex 2:19PM (3/24/2009)
will they be sold in Jaguar/Land Rover dealerships?
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chan625 2:29PM (3/24/2009)
errr nope
they are not that stupid
even in markets where tata sells cars already including india the JLR network is to be set up from scratch
Putting this thing in JLR showrooms is like shooting urself in legs for no good reason
Bloke 2:37PM (3/24/2009)
Why would they do that? Are Bentleys sold at VW dealerships? Are Volvos sold at Ford dealerships?
Get real.