Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[REPORT: Tata Nano Europa production details, images come to light]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-tata-nano-europa-production-details-images-come-to-ligh/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-tata-nano-europa-production-details-images-come-to-ligh/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-tata-nano-europa-production-details-images-come-to-ligh/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Ever since Tata first showed off its diminutive Nano, heavily hyped as the Cheapest Car in the World, the Indian automaker has continually said that it intends to sell the machine in somewhat modified form in both Europe and the United States. The blokes over at Autocar were given a sneak peek at the Nano Europa, which is currently slated for a 2011 introduction, and they've seen fit to share a couple of new details with the rest of us.

For instance, the Nano Europa will ditch the Indian market's 33-horsepower twin-cylinder engine for a new all-aluminum three-cylinder unit with 60 horsepower. That new powerplant will be mated to a five-speed manual transmission with ratios optimized for higher sustained speeds while still offering good fuel efficiency and low carbon emissions.

Not surprisingly, the Nano's tiny dimensions will grow a bit for European use, with overall length said to be up by about eight inches than the Indian market version. That extra bit of sheetmetal ought to prove sufficient for the Nano to pass European NCAP crash tests and help provide a bit more space for passengers and their goods. According to Autocar, the £4000 - £5000 Nano (roughly $6,500 to $8,100 on the pricy UK market) "will change the way car prices are viewed when it hits British showrooms." We'd imagine a similar reaction if it ever hits the States, especially if it comes with an even lower price.

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Tata Nano Europa production details, images come to light originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 tata nano europa2011TataNanoEuropananonano europaNanoEuropatatatata motorstata nanotata nano europatata nano europetata nano usTataMotorsTataNanoTataNanoEuropaTataNanoEuropeTataNanoUs Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:41:00 EST <![CDATA[Project Penguin: Is Tata Motors planning a Nano-based pickup?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/project-penguin-is-tata-motors-planning-a-nano-based-pickup/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/project-penguin-is-tata-motors-planning-a-nano-based-pickup/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/project-penguin-is-tata-motors-planning-a-nano-based-pickup/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Now that Tata has put the World's Cheapest Car on the market, is the Indian automaker ready to make a similar assault on the pickup truck market? Judging by a recent spy shot, it seems likely. It's impossible to know for sure, but the truck's three-lug wheels, single windshield wiper and dash layout indicate that this pickup might be based on the diminutive Nano.

Indian news outlets report that the pickup is codenamed Penguin and is powered by a single-cylinder diesel engine that displaces 350cc and is based on a slice of the Tata Ace and Indica engine block. That big thumper is hooked directly to the rear axle, an arrangement that will do away with the driveshaft and help lower cost. No word on if or when the Nano truck is slated for an official introduction. Hat tip to Shrawan!

[Source: Indian Autos Blog]

Project Penguin: Is Tata Motors planning a Nano-based pickup? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> nano pickupnano truckNanoPickupNanoTrucktatatata nanotata pickuptata truckTataNanoTataPickupTataTruck Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Global search reportedly on to find successor for Ratan Tata]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/needs-image-global-search-reportedly-on-to-find-successor-for/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/needs-image-global-search-reportedly-on-to-find-successor-for/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/needs-image-global-search-reportedly-on-to-find-successor-for/#comments Filed under: , ,



Three years ago the retirement age for Tata's holding company was upped to 75. Although Ratan Tata is only 71, there is no obvious successor to take his place at the head of India's global conglomerate, so the search has begun for the leader of the next act.

Whoever that person is will take the conductor's baton and guide an orchestra of 98 companies and 357,000 workers. He or she will also need to deal with the twin anchors of Jaguar-Land Rover debt and Corus Steel debt, both of which were brought on by economic freefall after top-of-the-market acquisitions.

At this point it looks like the CEO spot will be taken by someone outside the Tata family for only the second time in the history of the company. And while Ratan Tata has said "It would certainly be easier if [my successor] were an Indian national," he is open to filling the position with a foreigner. The company has three years to conclude, with Tata expected to step down in 2012.

[Source: Times Online | Photo: INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images]

Global search reportedly on to find successor for Ratan Tata originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ratan tataRatanTataretirementtatatata ceoTataCeo Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:59:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Tata Motors back in the black as Jaguar/Land Rover fortunes improve]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-tata-motors-back-in-the-black-as-jaguar-land-rover-fortu/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-tata-motors-back-in-the-black-as-jaguar-land-rover-fortu/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-tata-motors-back-in-the-black-as-jaguar-land-rover-fortu/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,



While many confusing car-related things have happened in the upper strata of the Autoverse over the last few years (Aston Martin and Ferrari both being impart owned by Middle Eastern concerns, Aston Martin not being bankrupt) perhaps the most shocking and disconcerting was Ford's sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to India's Tata. To many, the scheme seemed doomed from the get go and after a couple cash-hemorrhaging quarters coupled to the recent recession, the naysayers appeared right.

Turns out, Tata can say nay to the naysayers as its two prestige/luxury brands just turned a profit. A combination of cost cuts and attractive new models (LR4, XF) have helped catapult the long time money losers into the black. And while the $4.7 million in consolidated net profits last quarter is certainly nothing to jump for joy over, that nearly five million bucks is a nice change of pace from the usual Jag/Landy blood red ink. JLR sales rose 23% over the previous quarter. Rule Britannia! Er, India.

[Source: Gasgoo | Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images]

REPORT: Tata Motors back in the black as Jaguar/Land Rover fortunes improve originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> JaguarJaguar XFJaguarXfLand RoverLand Rover LR4LandRoverLandRoverLr4LR4TataTata MotorsTataMotorsXF Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Ratan Tata again confirms hybrid Tata Nano]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-ratan-tata-again-confirms-hybrid-tata-nano/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-ratan-tata-again-confirms-hybrid-tata-nano/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-ratan-tata-again-confirms-hybrid-tata-nano/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once again, Tata chairman Ratan Tata has confirmed via the South Korean Maeil Business Newspaper that his company intends to launch a hybrid version of the Nano. While it's impossible to know for sure, we'd imagine that starting off with the World's Least Expensive Automobile may very well equal the World's Least Expensive Hybrid.

We're also unsure what kind of hybrid system Tata is developing - we wouldn't expect to see a full hybrid system with an electric motor and battery pack large enough to power the vehicle for long periods of time, but we'd still hope for something more substantial than a simple stop/start micro system.

Previous reports indicate that a diesel engine is also in the works for the Nano, and we have high hopes that the inexpensive machine will make its way in somewhat modified form to the United States. Even with its current drivetrain, the gas-powered Nano delivers well over 50 U.S. miles per gallon, which would surely make for a welcome option here in America.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Ratan Tata again confirms hybrid Tata Nano originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> hybrid nanohybrid tata nanoHybridNanoHybridTataNanonanonano hybridNanoHybridratan tataRatanTatatatatata nanotata nano hybridTataNanoTataNanoHybrid Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST <![CDATA[It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/it-begins-first-tuned-tata-nano-spotted/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/it-begins-first-tuned-tata-nano-spotted/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/it-begins-first-tuned-tata-nano-spotted/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

DC Designs customized Tata Nano - Click above for image gallery

It was bound to happen. Think back to when Volkswagen Beetles infested the roads of the globe; there was no shortage of customized Bugs. Tata aims to put the world on wheels with its low-priced Nano, offering mobility to India's massive population for what many Americans just dropped on Black Friday. To stave off an impending swarm of same-same vehicles, and cash in with buyers looking to stand out, New Delhi-based Carnation Auto (not to be confused with North America's Car Nation) has teamed up with Dilip Chhabria's DC Design to offer prefab-custom options for the Nano.

The endeavor has been given the tagline, "The Artist Meets the Enabler," and it began with tarted-up offerings for the Toyota Innova, creating a car called the Innov8. If the reworked MPV is any indication, we can expect the DC Design Nano to have an interior that apes a Gulfstream, while we can all plainly see what's been done to the exterior. The Nano kit is not yet available, but Carnation says it will be ready to join the already-available Innova, Honda City, and Suzuki Swift kits in 2010. We're sure opinions abound over this visually-charged Nano, so feel free to express yourselves in the comments. Press release posted after the jump.


Gallery: DC Designs Cars


[Source: CarnationDC.com via Indian Auto Talk]

Continue reading It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted

It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> carnation autoCarnationAutoDC Designdc designsDcDesignDcDesignsdilip chhabriaDilipChhabrianew delhiNewDelhitataTata Motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanothe artist meets the enablerTheArtistMeetsTheEnabler Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Tata already tweaking Nano based on market feedback]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/report-tata-already-tweaking-nano-based-on-market-feedback/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/report-tata-already-tweaking-nano-based-on-market-feedback/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/report-tata-already-tweaking-nano-based-on-market-feedback/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

At roughly $2,500, the Tata Nano is the world's most affordable car - but that apparently hasn't stopped early customers from griping about some of the vehicle's shortcomings. Thankfully, those complaints aren't falling on deaf ears, either, as Tata Motors will reportedly make some subtle yet significant changes to the mini car within the next six months. One major complaint is the Nano's leisurely acceleration, which is to be expected in any vehicle with 33 horsepower. To remedy the situation, Tata Motors engineers will reportedly crank the engine's 5,000 RPM red line up to a more respectable 6,000 RPM, which should help add more pickup. Also under consideration is a five-speed manual gearbox, though the Indian market Nano will likely continue to with just four forward gears.

Autocar India is reporting that the Nano's electronically limited 65 mph speed limit will remain due to safety concerns, though Tata engineers say the low speed limit renders the fifth gear obsolete. That said, the the planned Euro Nano will only be available as a five speed. Another improvement that should make Nano owners happy is the reported addition of an actual tailgate. The current Nano is hatchless in the interest of lower cost, build complexity, and structural rigidity, and anyone who wants to add or subtract cargo has to do so by folding down the rear seat and going through the doors. Other changes include a new side mirror assembly that will make way for future of power mirrors and a "check strap" for limiting how far the door opens.

While those changes will definitely improve the Nano, we're hoping the mods don't come at the price of, well, a higher price. Either way, it's nice to see that Tata Motors appears to be taking the suggestions of its new customers seriously.

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Tata already tweaking Nano based on market feedback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1 lahk1 lakh car1Lahk1LakhCarfive speed transmissionFiveSpeedTransmissionnano changesnano pricingNanoChangesNanoPricingratan tataRatanTataTata Motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNano Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Renault-Nissan vows to build world's cheapest car? Nano-nah-nah-nah-nah!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-nissan-vows-to-build-worlds-cheapest-car-nan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-nissan-vows-to-build-worlds-cheapest-car-nan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-nissan-vows-to-build-worlds-cheapest-car-nan/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The other day we alerted you to the "fact" that Ford will be releasing a brand new $650 car. But as does everything that sounds too good to be true, the car in question was a severely used (and dented) 1993 Ford Taurus, and the Wisconsin-based masters of parody at The Onion were behind the video, not the Ford Motor Company. We mention this because more than one of you took the time to comment without watching the video, and the results were quite funny - in a laughing at you sort of way. Today though, is no joke.

Carlos Ghosn, the lovable star of his own Japanese manga comic and the CEO of Renault-Nissan, is claiming that his company will produce a car that costs less than the $2,500 Tata Nano, making the as-yet-to-be-named car the cheapest in India, and therefore the least expensive in the world. The car will be built by Bajaj Auto, an Indian scooter and rickshaw company. Not to be left out of the party, both Toyota and GM have expressed interest in selling "ultralow-cost small cars" on the Subcontinent.

However, these cheap, small cars just don't sell themselves. So far, Tata has managed to move just 10,500 Nanos since July. For their part, Bajaj and Renault-Nissan were hoping to get their ultralow-coster on the road by 2011, but there have been delays. First announced last year, Ghosn said that the delays should come as no surprise since neither Bajaj or Renault-Nissan has ever made such a vehicle. He did note, however, that such a car is "critical" to Renault-Nissan's presence in India.

"I don't want Renault and Nissan to be makers of very pretty cars that people dream about but cannot afford." said Ghosn. He also said that by the time Renault and Nissan's small car debuted it might no longer be the very cheapest. There are also plans afoot to export the new vehicle out of India, just like Tata is planning to do with the Nano, though that car would most likely be slightly reworked and therefor more expensive. Tip of the pith helmet to Neil!


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: The Los Angeles Times]

Renault-Nissan vows to build world's cheapest car? Nano-nah-nah-nah-nah! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Carlos GhosnCarlosGhosnGhosnIndiaNanoNissannissan cheap carNissanCheapCarRenaultRenault-NissanTataTata NanoTataNano Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Tata may let other automakers build Nano]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/report-tata-may-let-other-automakers-build-nano/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/report-tata-may-let-other-automakers-build-nano/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/report-tata-may-let-other-automakers-build-nano/#comments Filed under: , ,

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]

REPORT: Tata may let other automakers build Nano originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 22500 car2500Car500 car500Carnanoravi kantRaviKantReuterstatatata motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNano Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Tata investigating as Nano owners report steering column fires]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-tata-investigating-as-nano-owners-report-steering-column/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-tata-investigating-as-nano-owners-report-steering-column/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-tata-investigating-as-nano-owners-report-steering-column/#comments Filed under: , ,


Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

If we weren't car guys, we could understand the attraction of a bare-bones car with a sticker price coming in at a fraction of a conventional car's. Heck, we still do. But we know as well as you do that in order to get the pricing that low, corners probably have to be cut somewhere. And when you're dealing with a metal cage in which you sit surrounded by glass, propelled by a controlled series of explosions and managed by a complex mess of wires and electronics, you don't want to be cutting corners.

So we can't say we're entirely surprised with news of early problems with the Tata Nano. The vehicle that's anticipated to mobilize India has been launched in its domestic market prior to being exported overseas, but three customers have already reported small fires spontaneously igniting inside the vehicle, causing the automaker to launch an investigation.

The problem reportedly stems from faulty wiring in the ignition switch that has, in these three cases reported so far, caused smoke and certain parts around the steering column to melt. Two of the customers have returned their Nanos to their respective dealerships, which have repaired the problem at no charge. One buyer, however, has yet to bring his car in for repairs and has lodged a complaint with law enforcement officials.

So far, Tata isn't issuing a recall notice, but it is conducting a "pre-delivery audit" of the car's electrical systems for those still in their possession and offering to inspect those units it has already sold.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: The Times of India]

REPORT: Tata investigating as Nano owners report steering column fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> electricalelectrical fireElectricalFirenanorecallrecallstataTata Motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanotsb Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Land Rover reportedly puts plans for seven-seat LR2 on ice]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/land-rover-reportedly-puts-plans-for-seven-seat-lr2-on-ice/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/land-rover-reportedly-puts-plans-for-seven-seat-lr2-on-ice/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/land-rover-reportedly-puts-plans-for-seven-seat-lr2-on-ice/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Land Rover LR2 looks nice enough and it has some offroad chops, but during our time with the British SUV we weren't exactly thrilled with its on-road capabilities. We're not so sure an extra row of seating would have helped the baby Rover's disposition, but if a news item from Autocar is to be believed, we may not know of a long time. The U.K. publication is reporting that Land Rover has postponed plans to produce a seven-seat Freelander/LR2 in order to concentrate on a new business plan that ups annual sales to 200,000 units. The seven-seat LR2 had been rumored since the smallest Land Rover hit the streets, and Autocar says the more passenger friendly LR2 was set to go to production by next year.

The new plan will reportedly be to shift the remaining attention to the production of the two-door LRX, which is expected to enter production in 2011. The LRX is expected to provide some of the volume Land Rover owner Tata Motors is looking for, while giving the British luxury off-road automaker a smaller, lighter, more efficient offering for the motoring masses.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autocar]

Land Rover reportedly puts plans for seven-seat LR2 on ice originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> land roverland rover lr2LandieLandRoverLandRoverLr2LRlr2 hseLr2HseLRXseven seat land roverSevenSeatLandRoverTataTata MotorsTataMotorsthird row seatThirdRowSeat Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Tata confirms closing of Jaguar or Land Rover plant]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/tata-confirms-closing-of-jaguar-or-land-rover-plant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/tata-confirms-closing-of-jaguar-or-land-rover-plant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/24/tata-confirms-closing-of-jaguar-or-land-rover-plant/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



When the economy gets dinged, luxury vehicles gets massive dents. Jaguar and Land Rover haven't been the most profitable aut for a while, and parent company Tata is studying which of two plants it would shut to try and stem some of the losses; Solihull or Castle Bromwich.

It sounds drastic, but the pain of closing a plant and shedding underutilized capacity - about 40 percent of JLR's production overhead is going unused - could head off outright failure. Production has been pulled back already, while jobs have been cut and wages frozen, so word of the closing is just more bad news, but Jaguar Land Rover CEO David Smith is committed to taking "decisive actions" to see the storied marques through. The union, of course, is unhappy, and a meeting will be going forward between the company and GMB officials to determine what actions might be taken on both sides.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image Source: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty]

Tata confirms closing of Jaguar or Land Rover plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> castle bromwichcastle bromwich plantCastleBromwichCastleBromwichPlantjaguarjaguar land roverjaguar land rover plant closingjaguar plant closingJaguarLandRoverJaguarLandRoverPlantClosingJaguarPlantClosingland roverland rover plant closingLandRoverLandRoverPlantClosingsolihullsolihull plantSolihullPlanttatatata plant closingTataPlantClosing Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:33:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Secondhand Tata Nano models commanding 30% markup as India's elite grabs on to new trend]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/report-secondhand-tata-nano-models-being-sold-at-up-to-30-mark/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/report-secondhand-tata-nano-models-being-sold-at-up-to-30-mark/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/report-secondhand-tata-nano-models-being-sold-at-up-to-30-mark/#comments Filed under: ,


Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Tata Nano continues to take India by storm, and residents of the world's second most populous country appear to have gone over the deep end in an effort to secure their own personal "people's car." Australian website Drive is reporting that car buyers are paying a markup of up to 30% to purchase secondhand Nanos from the initial batch of buyers. The pent-up demand for the Nano stems in part from the fact that far more people signed up to purchase the econobox than Tata Motors has the factory capacity to build. To distribute the initial Nano allotment fairly, Tata instituted a lottery system to choose the first 100,000 customers eligible to buy the $2,500 city car.

One would think that the source of this heavy demand comes from families looking to secure a still inexpensive car, but a Mumbai car salesman seems to think it has more to do with an odd "fetish" for the car. Arif Fazulbhoy reportedly told Drive that the wealthy of India are paying over sticker to get their hands on the Nano because it has become a hot and trendy status symbol, adding "They tend to be very rich people who want the Nano for the snob value because it's new in the market." The Nano model fetching the highest premium on the open market is the XL, which has features like air conditioning and central locking.

While it's too bad that the "people's car" is being picked up mainly by India's elite, at least the lower middle class is reaping the profits from the quirky little vehicle's healthy demand. There will likely be more opportunity to profit from the Nano over the next couple years as well, as the initial allotment of 100,000 units could take until the end of 2010 to get delivered - and there are over 200,000 customers waiting in the queue.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Drive]

REPORT: Secondhand Tata Nano models commanding 30% markup as India's elite grabs on to new trend originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> indiaindian autosindian carindian carsIndianAutosIndianCarIndianCarsnanonano salesNanoSalesratan tataRatanTatatatatata motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNano Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Tata gets private-sector loan, doesn't need UK government money]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/tata-gets-private-sector-loan-doesnt-need-uk-government-money/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/tata-gets-private-sector-loan-doesnt-need-uk-government-money/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/13/tata-gets-private-sector-loan-doesnt-need-uk-government-money/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



Tata's target was £1 billion ($1.65B U.S.) in loans to keep the JLR group going. And while Tata is in talks with the U.K government about providing a large chunk of that, some of the government's terms -- like veto power over management decisions-- prevented Tata from pulling the trigger.

A measure of success has been achieved with the announcement that Tata has secured a £175 million ($289M U.S.) loan from private sources. Those funds mean that Tata doesn't need the government's money. It also means short cuts won't need to be taken during the current launch of the new XJ and launch of the facelifted Rovers later this year.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Tata gets private-sector loan, doesn't need UK government money originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> europefinancialsgovernmentjaguarjlrloansrange roverRangeRovertatauk Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Land Rover increases production of new Discovery and Range Rover Sport]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/land-rover-increases-production-of-new-discovery-and-range-rover/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/land-rover-increases-production-of-new-discovery-and-range-rover/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/10/land-rover-increases-production-of-new-discovery-and-range-rover/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



It's a little difficult to keep track of what's happening at Tata and JLR these days. While the XF sales continue apace and the XJ is promising, the JLR division lost £673.4 million pounds ($1.11B U.S.) last year, and parent company Tata was $520 million in the red at the end of its 2008 fiscal year. Due to those numbers and a so-far unfulfilled quest for financing, Tata has been relentlessly talking up the need to shed production workers.

A report today, however, says that because of "forecasts of strong demand" for the refreshed Land Rover Discover and Range Rover Sport, the Solihull plant will increase production. Workers who've been on shortened hours since the spring will now go back to a five-day work week. That's good news for the employees and hopefully for Tata. Worker at Land Rover's Halewood plant don't fare so well: the Freelander factory will be shut down intermittently because of low demand.

[Source: What Car?]

Land Rover increases production of new Discovery and Range Rover Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 discovery2010 land rover discovery2010 range rover2010 range rover sport2010Discovery2010LandRoverDiscovery2010RangeRover2010RangeRoverSportdiscoveryhalewoodland roverland rover discoveryLandRoverLandRoverDiscoveryluxurymanufacturingoff-roadplantsrange roverrange rover sportRangeRoverRangeRoverSportsolihullsuvtatauk Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Many Tata Nanos to be used as taxi cabs?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/many-tata-nanos-to-be-used-as-taxi-cabs/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/many-tata-nanos-to-be-used-as-taxi-cabs/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/many-tata-nanos-to-be-used-as-taxi-cabs/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


2010 Tata Nano Standard Version - Click above for a high-res gallery

India currently has just under 1.2 billion residents. Moreover, its population is set to overtake China any monsoon now. As India's economy continues to grow (currently the world's 12th largest) all those people now have places to go. We've all seen crazy pictures of fantastically overloaded Indian trains and buses with people hanging out of windows, but not only is that very dangerous, if you have a business meeting the last thing you want to do is sit on a dirty old roof with three dozen of your closest friends. Indians need taxis. Trouble is, cabs (and cars in general) are expensive to buy and poverty is still rampant. Enter the Tata Nano.

That's right, the world's cheapest new car is being eyeballed and ordered by many Indian entrepreneurs looking to start their very own cab company. Yes, Nanos are small and would make very lousy cabs in NYC or London. But to a person that's never owned a car before, it's (sorta) Versailles on wheels. And as the Nano is a no-frills, few features product, there's very little to break, so what does get broke will be cheap and easy to fix. In the biz, that's called "win-win." Besides all that, we're thinking that hundreds of thousands of Nanos darting all over Mumbai would be cute. Sort of like Rome in the 1950s.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Autocar]

Many Tata Nanos to be used as taxi cabs? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 Tata Nano2010TataNanoIndiananoNano TaxiNanoTaxiTataTata NanoTata Nano TaxiTata TaxiTataNanoTataNanoTaxiTataTaxi Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:32:00 EST <![CDATA[British government drags its feet, Tata threatens to cancel Indica EV for the UK]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/british-government-drags-its-feet-tata-threatens-to-cancel-indi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/british-government-drags-its-feet-tata-threatens-to-cancel-indi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/22/british-government-drags-its-feet-tata-threatens-to-cancel-indi/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



In January, the UK government set aside £2.3 billion for loan guarantees to help automakers start producing electric cars on the island. In April, Tata applied for £10 billion from the program to build its Indica Vista EV. Last week the Indian firm was told that it would be another eight weeks before the Department for Business Innovation and Skills would decide on Tata's application.

Tata can't understand what the holdup is and plans to deliver a petition to the minister in charge of the program to make its case. It can't help that while Tata waits it's watching UK government figures give speeches at Nissan facilities in an attempt to woo the Japanese automaker to produce electric cars in England. Nor can it help that Tata's Norwegian arm has already been approved by for a loan by the Norwegian government to make electric cars there.

Tata is also waiting on its €340 billion European Investment Bank loan to be approved by the UK government. That loan was for Jaguar and Land Rover aid, but the issue of both loans is said to be about the British government wanting to make sure that Tata can repay the money. If the government doesn't decide soon, they might have much bigger things to deliberate on -- like more job losses at JLR...

[Source: Guardian]

British government drags its feet, Tata threatens to cancel Indica EV for the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alternativeelectricelectric carElectricCargovernmentindica vista evIndicaVistaEvtatatata indica vista evTataIndicaVistaEvukvista evVistaEv Wed, 22 Jul 2009 07:58:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: First Tata Nano delivered to customer in Mumbai [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/report-first-tata-nano-delivered-to-customer-in-mumbai-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/report-first-tata-nano-delivered-to-customer-in-mumbai-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/report-first-tata-nano-delivered-to-customer-in-mumbai-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Tato Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The first customer to get a Tata Nano has taken delivery of the world's cheapest car today. Tata Motors delivered the car to a Mr. Ashok Raghunath Vichare of Mumbai who paid just 100,000 rupees ($2,053 U.S.) for the car. The Nano went on sale earlier this year and has been a source of endless discussion since it was announced in early 2008. While incredibly cheap, other numbers for the tiny car are also impressive: the Automotive Research Association of India has rated the Nano at 56 miles-per-gallon U.S., and the car produces emissions of just 101 grams of CO2 per km.

The Indian market is only the first step for the Nano - A Euro-spec model recently passed European crash tests and the car is still scheduled to come to the U.S. at some point in the not-too-distant future. Click on the gallery below or check out a video of the first Nano handover ceremony after the jump.


Gallery: Tata Nano launch close-ups


[Source: Tata Motors]

Continue reading REPORT: First Tata Nano delivered to customer in Mumbai [w/VIDEO]

REPORT: First Tata Nano delivered to customer in Mumbai [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> nanotatatata motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNano Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:28:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Tata Nano gets its crash on]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/video-tata-nano-gets-its-crash-on/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/video-tata-nano-gets-its-crash-on/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/15/video-tata-nano-gets-its-crash-on/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Tata Nano European crash testing - Click above to watch the video after the break

To all those who thought reports of the Tata Nano passing European crash testing were worthless without pics, we now have a few of those plus one better: Video. It seems the actual Nano submitted for the 50 km/h side impact test and 56 km/h offset frontal impact test was a mildly fortified unit with some extra foam added to the cant rail (the structural member supporting the B-pillar), a reinforced front longitudinal structure, and some added structure behind the front bumper and in the front doors. A remotely-triggered airbag was also fitted for this test.

These comprehensive modifications were apparently enough to prompt Nic Fasci, the U.K. engineer running the tests, to say, "It looks no different from other cars doing this test. It's a good crash." Tata believes these results bode well for its chances of putting the Nano on European roads by 2012, when the Indian automaker is expected to debut a slightly larger version of the diminutive car complete with a full slate of safety equipment, including fully functional airbags.

Click here for a full rundown of the Tata Nano's European crash testing results and click past the break to watch the video. Hat tip to Darren J!


Gallery: Tata Nano European crash test


[Source: Automotive Engineer via TataForum.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Tata Nano gets its crash on

VIDEO: Tata Nano gets its crash on originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> nano crashnano crash testingNanoCrashNanoCrashTestingtatatata motorstata nanotata nano crashtata nano crash testtata nano crash testingtata nano european crash testingTataMotorsTataNanoTataNanoCrashTataNanoCrashTestTataNanoCrashTestingTataNanoEuropeanCrashTesting Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:28:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/14/report-tata-nano-passes-european-crash-testing/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


2009 Tato Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tata Nano, the diminutive Indian four-door econobox rumored to eventually arrive in U.S. showrooms, has reportedly passed current European impact testing. According to Autocar, the offset front and side impact tests took place at the MIRA test center last week under supervision by an inspector from Britain's Vehicle Certification Authority. A spokesperson for Tata said the company is "delighted but not surprised" with the results, as the car had already been tested in India.

Sold only in its homeland right now, Tata seems determined to expand its passenger vehicle business to Europe and North America. With that in mind, the automaker is working to upgrade the Nano to ensure the Lilliputian meets "Westernized" crash standards, including the European NCAP tests, and our own NHTSA requirements.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Tata Nano Europa


[Source: Autocar UK]

REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BVCACrashCrash TestCrashTestIIHSIndiananoNCAPNHTSASmall CarSmallCarTata NanoTataNanoTesting Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST