REPORT: Tata may let other automakers build Nano
Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Tata Nano has been in production since July, and during that time, Tata Motors has reportedly sold over 7,500 copies of its $2,500 car. The Indian automaker has plenty of potential customers for its inexpensive little econo-gem, but production capacity is another matter altogether. Tata is producing the Nano with existing plant floor capacity until its new, 250,000-unit/year factory comes online at the end of March 2010.
But Tata is thinking of ways to get more Nanos to market – and it's not just limiting its options to models emblazoned with a circle T emblem. Reuters reports that Tata is considering licensing the Nano to other automakers, with or without Tata badging. Tata Vice Chairman Ravi Kant reportedly mentioned at an awards function that the company would allow micro-assembly sites to build their own Nano within India, adding, "We call it Nano, they don't have to."
Tata hasn't announced whether it actually has any partners for its vehicle sharing proposition, but if demand for the inexpensive car continues to hold strong, we suspect there will be some takers. This plan makes perfect sense for Tata because the automaker should be able to amortize some of the car's development costs by sharing its design with others. And when you're dealing with a $2,500 MSRP, every penny counts.
Gallery: Tata Nano
[Source: Reuters]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave 1:31PM (11/05/2009)
"Tata Vice Chairman Ravi Kant reportedly mentioned at an awards function that the company would allow micro-assembly sites to build their own Nano within India, adding, 'We call it Nano, they don't have to.' "
This sounds completely ridiculous to me.
How could a "micro assembly site" possibly compete with a 250,000 unit/yr mass production facility?
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v_lakshman 2:06PM (11/05/2009)
Because they would not have all the R&D and fixed costs of running a large organization like TATA Motors.
Jei 2:26PM (11/05/2009)
Those ingenious Chinese auto firms have already produce their "original" version. It's on sale now....saw one last week. *
*Really, no, I haven't seen a Chinese rip-off version. But it's probably already coming. How will Tata enforce licensing when a quarter billion Chinese pony up $2500 for a Nano fako?
jonnybimmer 1:36PM (11/05/2009)
Ah sweet! The new Aveo!
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jonnybimmer 1:37PM (11/05/2009)
Ah sweet, the new Aveo!
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kin_link 1:50PM (11/05/2009)
In india its called Nano..... outside may be they "DONT NO".....
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Motor_Yakuza 2:01PM (11/05/2009)
In India its called Nano..... In the modern world, we call it a plastic trash can that rolls on donuts.
NS 3:43PM (11/05/2009)
Based upon your ignorance, the meaning of the your id "motor yakuza" is "I don't know anything about motors"
Motor_Yakuza 1:58PM (11/05/2009)
LoL. I'm sure that many auto makers will want to produce this "marvel" of modern tech.
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Jake 2:05PM (11/05/2009)
Like Hasbro, Mattel, Tonka, ....
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mdensch 2:35PM (11/05/2009)
Or BYD or Brilliance . . .
planetautomatic 2:29PM (11/05/2009)
Lets see....10,9,8,7 .....
before a whole bunch of the big auto guys try to copy this!
Awesoem to see frugal engineering showing the big boys how its done. sweet!
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**WOODYScarSITE.com**** 3:17PM (11/05/2009)
Let Toyota build it and maybe I'll buy one.
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keep the change 3:20PM (11/05/2009)
Too bad they can't sell this for $2500 in America. It would sell like crazy. It's not much of car, but neither is a motorcycle, and they cost a lot more. And this one keeps the rain out.
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DiRF 4:01PM (11/05/2009)
You know, this isn't exactly a new idea... how many car companies built a licensed version of the Italian Isetta bubblecar?
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Purplewon 4:08PM (11/05/2009)
cant wait to see a tricked out one at SEMA in 2010
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mr.ed 4:49PM (11/05/2009)
Some of us remember the Crosley, just one of the little bugs made here in limited quantities. This one seems real, but would need all kinds of upgrades to meet US standards. I'd guess this would have to sell about five large with the equipment we usually call for, safety bumpers, etc.
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J 7:35PM (11/05/2009)
Wow, I bet Lawn Boy would want some of that action.
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Avinash machado 2:51AM (11/06/2009)
Nice idea.
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