Autoblog Tata http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Tata http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Tata looking to add nicer Nano models to reverse sales flop]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/tata-looking-to-add-nicer-nano-models-to-reverse-sales-flop/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/tata-looking-to-add-nicer-nano-models-to-reverse-sales-flop/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/tata-looking-to-add-nicer-nano-models-to-reverse-sales-flop/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Tata Nano Gold Plus

Bloomberg reports Tata may introduce more expensive vehicles based on the automaker's low-buck Nano in an attempt to lure more buyers. As the company discovered, even the world's least wealthy drivers aren't interested in a vehicle marketed as the world's cheapest car.

Wrap your head around that one.

Tata has sold 229,157 Nano models since 2009, and last month saw sales fall by 86 percent compared to March 2012. Even so, the company says it doesn't plan to kill off the car. Instead, Tata may bring a number of Nano variations to market.

Those may include something along the lines of the Pixel Concept. That machine debuted at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, offering two doors and a diesel engine along with a bit more style. Specifically, Tata wants to target a wide range of buyers across multiple price points instead of attempting to sell people a four-wheeled scooter replacement.

Tata looking to add nicer Nano models to reverse sales flop originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> tatatata nanotata pixeltata pixel concept Sun, 14 Apr 2013 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538765/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538765/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/14/tata-looking-to-add-nicer-nano-models-to-reverse-sales-flop/20538765/article-detail.xml 20538765 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tata-nano-gold-plus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tata-nano-gold-plus-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar Land Rover and Chery investing in Chinese plant]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/jaguar-land-rover-and-chery-investing-in-chinese-plant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/jaguar-land-rover-and-chery-investing-in-chinese-plant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/jaguar-land-rover-and-chery-investing-in-chinese-plant/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



While the European auto market for Jaguar and Land Rover is waning, Chinese car buyers can't get enough of the British marques. To meet that demand, Tata Motors, parent company of Jag and Land Rover, is partnering with Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co.

The two announced plans to invest $1.75 billion to build a new plant and create a new, China-focused brand. 2014 is the target for completion of the factory. Jaguars and Land Rovers built at the facility will be the first ever produced outside the UK according to the Associated Press. The JV will be called Chery Jaguar Land Rover Automotive Company Ltd.

The announcement comes less than a month after JLR announced it would open a design studio in China. It's not clear from the reports whether the two announcements are part of the same JV or two separate plans.

China requires any company wanting to set up domestic production to partner with a local business. By doing so, JLR avoids a 25-percent tariff on imported cars. Chery benefits from a planned research and development center as well as a chance to "really upgrade its capabilities," according to Bill Russo of Synergistic Ltd. in Beijing.

You can read the official press release below.

Continue reading Jaguar Land Rover and Chery investing in Chinese plant

Jaguar Land Rover and Chery investing in Chinese plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cheryChery Motorschinachina jaguarchina land roverjaguarJLRjoint ventureland rovertata Sat, 24 Nov 2012 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383789/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20383789/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/24/jaguar-land-rover-and-chery-investing-in-chinese-plant/20383789/article-detail.xml 20383789 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/chery-jlr-partnership-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/chery-jlr-partnership-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Redesigned Tata Nano to arrive in US wearing price tag under $10k]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/redesigned-tata-nano-to-arrive-in-u-s-wearing-price-tag-under/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/redesigned-tata-nano-to-arrive-in-u-s-wearing-price-tag-under/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/redesigned-tata-nano-to-arrive-in-u-s-wearing-price-tag-under/#comments Filed under: , ,

Tata Megapixel concept live on show floor in Geneva

Tata's much ballyhooed Nano isn't exactly selling as expected in its home market of India, especially after the well-publicized fires engulfing the several examples of the world's cheapest car. Despite that, the head of Tata Group, Ratan Tata, says his company remains intent on bringing an updated sub-$10,000 Nano to the States, and he intends to do so in three years.

While the Indian market gets a bare-bones Nano powered by a two-cylinder, 37-horsepower engine, Tata unsurprisingly says the US version will have a larger engine, power steering and traction control.

"The Smart and the Fiat 500 have high sticker prices, and people buy them because they are small cars," Tata tells Automotive News. "But everyone knows you put a lot of money into it. We hope that the sub-$10,000 car has appeal."

With the US economy still slowly recovering, a car for under $10k could have plenty of appeal. But the Indian automaker has several obstacles to overcome first, not the least of which is building a dealer network for the Nano. Tata owns Jaguar and Land Rover, but that group's CEO, Andy Goss, says there has been no discussion about using those dealers to distribute the Nano.

Perhaps the updated US-bound Nano will be more like the Nano Megapixel concept (pictured above) we saw at the Geneva Motor Show back in March. That car had a longer, 138-inch wheelbase and a larger 325cc engine supplemented by two electric motors. It's safe to assume that if Tata wants to keep costs down so that it can offer the car below $10,000, the next Nano won't get a hybrid powertrain like the Megapixel, but perhaps it will pick up some of the car's size and styling cues.

Redesigned Tata Nano to arrive in US wearing price tag under $10k originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 tata nanonanonano+tatananotataratan tatatatatata nanotata nano united statestata nano ustata+nano+2015tata+nano+usatatanano2015tatananousaworlds cheapest car Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20350106/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20350106/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/15/redesigned-tata-nano-to-arrive-in-u-s-wearing-price-tag-under/20350106/article-detail.xml 20350106 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-tata-mega-pixel-live-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-tata-mega-pixel-live-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ratan Tata hopes to restart Nano sales after fiery start [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Ratan Tata and Nano

When India's Tata introduced the Nano in 2009 at about $2,500, it was a hot seller. It was expected to set the world on fire with demand for cheap wheels. In fact, a year after its rollout, the Nano almost did set the world on fire after at least three units burned to a crisp. Sales plummeted to a record low of 509 in November, 2010.

Tata Chairman Ratan Tata has run the company for 20 years and plans to retire at the end of this year. But before he leaves the company, he hopes to revive sales of the little car he helped develop.

"The Nano is something I would love to make successful because I don't think it's exploited its full potential right now," Tata said in an interview with Bloomberg TV India. "There has to be another push to make Nano what it can be."

Extended warranties for current Nano owners, as well as promises that the fires were only isolated incidents, were the first step at restoring confidence in the Nano. A new version of the Nano came out in November with a larger engine, and July sales totaled 5,485. In all of last year it sold 74,527. By comparison, Suzuki sold 491,389 examples of its competing Maruti brand.

In the video below, Ratan Tata talks a bit about the company's purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover and of his upcoming retirement.

Continue reading Ratan Tata hopes to restart Nano sales after fiery start [w/video]

Ratan Tata hopes to restart Nano sales after fiery start [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> indiajaguarland rovernanoratan tatatatatata nano Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307503/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307503/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/20307503/article-detail.xml 20307503 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ratan-tata-interview-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ratan-tata-interview-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki cozying up with Fiat?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/suzuki-cozying-up-with-fiat/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/suzuki-cozying-up-with-fiat/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/suzuki-cozying-up-with-fiat/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2012 Fiat Sedici - Front three-quarter view, purple static shot

Fiat and Tata has reportedly stepped away from a tieup in the Indian market that saw Fiats being built in India, using engines shared with Tata and Maruti models, and being sold through Tata dealers. Neither company commented, but according to analysts, the issue was that in addition to Tata was simply too busy with its other endeavors, especially Jaguar Land Rover, to attend to the Fiat deal. Sales of the joint-venture vehicles have declined by more than 20 percent year-on-year.

The Fiat-Tata union isn't binding, and talk has now centered around Fiat snuggling up with Suzuki. Suzuki has a huge position in Asia, Suzuki-Maruti being India's largest carmaker and the Japanese firm having sold more than half its cars in the Asia region, excluding Japan, over the year that ended March 31. Fiat, on the other hand, only sold three percent of its wares in Asia in 2011.

There is debate about how beneficial a Fiat-Suzuki tieup would be. Suzuki's position is facing pressures, but some observers say the Japanese firm has all the strengths and, at most, would benefit from "a timely supply of engines," but possibly confuse customers by adding Fiat to its distribution channel. Others think that it would be a good union, with Fiat providing "a sound name" and a technology exchange.

Such a venture would rely on Suzuki extricating itself from its still-binding union with Volkswagen, an adventure that has probably soured Suzuki on the phrase "technology exchange" for a bit. Among the problematic issues, Suzuki has accused VW of breach-of-contract by not sharing VW technology and not initiating any of the joint projects that were Suzuki's reason for the deal. Suzuki and Fiat presently collaborate on the Fiat Sedici/Suzuki SX4, and when Suzuki bought diesel engines from Fiat instead of VW, the German company accused the Japanese automaker of breach-of-contract. Both parties are in arbitration over the matter; last we heard, Suzuki wants its 20-percent stake returned, while VW is still in favor of the partnership. A VW victory would nix the kind of Suzuki deal with Fiat being speculated now.

Suzuki cozying up with Fiat? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> asiafiatfiat suzukiindiasuzukitatavolkswagen suzuki Thu, 24 May 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242391/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242391/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/suzuki-cozying-up-with-fiat/20242391/article-detail.xml 20242391 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-fiat-sedici_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-fiat-sedici.jpg <![CDATA[Is Jaguar Land Rover poised for an IPO?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/is-jaguar-land-rover-poised-for-an-ipo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/is-jaguar-land-rover-poised-for-an-ipo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/19/is-jaguar-land-rover-poised-for-an-ipo/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Jaguar Land Rover

When Ford sold Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors for $2.5 billion, the auto industry was in rough shape. And it didn't help that the luxury combo pack didn't exactly have a lineup full of fresh rides.

Only four years have past since that historic sale, but the industry is in much better shape and new vehicles like the Land Rover Evoque and Jaguar XJ have seemingly done wonders for the luxury brands. In fact, Tata's investment may be in much better shape than most anyone would have thought. According to Bloomberg, analysts predict that an Initial Public Offering could show that the brands are worth a combined $14 billion.

That's a monumental return on investment, and there are plenty of reasons for the lofty estimate. Tata reportedly earned $2 billion off JLR in 2011, and sales are at all-time highs. The brands are also expecting major growth in China and Russia, and Tata has promised to double its investment in new products. Tata has also pledged 40 new or refreshed models in the next five years, which is likely more new metal than some full-line manufacturers would be willing to promise.

But while JLR is apparently worth an estimated $14 billion, it appears that Tata isn't quite ready to issue an IPO. Company spokesman Debasis Ray told Bloomberg in an email that Tata is planning to fund the brands through internal cash accruals.

Is Jaguar Land Rover poised for an IPO? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> evoqueipojaguarjaguar land roverland rovertatatata motorsxk Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20219020/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20219020/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/19/is-jaguar-land-rover-poised-for-an-ipo/20219020/article-detail.xml 20219020 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/jaguar-land-rover_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/jaguar-land-rover.jpg <![CDATA[Tata Megapixel is a high-res effort on a low-res budget]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/tata-megapixel-geneva-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/tata-megapixel-geneva-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/07/tata-megapixel-geneva-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Tata Megapixel

What's the next Tata Nano going to look like? The Megapixel concept is a good indication of where the Indian brand's ultra cheap micro-car could be headed in the next few years, and if the onboard tech makes it to production, the Megapixel could be one of the most compelling - and most affordable - city cars in the world.

Measuring in at a scant 138 inches, the Megapixel combines a small footprint with four electrically powered and individually articulating wheels that help it achieve an impressive nine-foot turning radius.

Power is provided by the aforementioned wheel-mounted electric motors which can deliver a maximum of 369 pound-feet of torque, with a 13kW lithium-ion battery pack providing the juice. A 325cc single-cylinder gasoline engine will refill the batteries for trips longer than 54 miles, giving the Megapixel a theoretical range of over 560 miles. A production model is still a ways out, but with Tata's continued expansion and ambition, we wouldn't be surprised to see something like the Megapixel on sale in India and other developing markets by the end of the decade.

Tata Megapixel is a high-res effort on a low-res budget originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> genevageneva 2012geneva motor showmegapixeltatatata megapixeltata megapixel concept Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20187658/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20187658/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/07/tata-megapixel-geneva-2012/20187658/article-detail.xml 20187658 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-tata-mega-pixel-live-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/01-tata-mega-pixel-live-628.jpg <![CDATA[Next Land Rover Defender to be built in India?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/next-land-rover-defender-to-be-built-in-india/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/next-land-rover-defender-to-be-built-in-india/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/next-land-rover-defender-to-be-built-in-india/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Land Rover DC100 concept - LA show update

When Tata's purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover began to appear inevitable, the question "Would you buy a Jaguar made in India?" was oft repeated. Yet it looks like Land Rover will be the first of the two brands to try to benefit from this kind of Anglo-Indian synergy: a report in Autocar states that the 2015 Land Rover Defender will be built at Tata's plant in Pune, India.

The Defender is a truly old school body-on-frame SUV that sells in small numbers compared to the rest of the Land Rover line. But it has benefitted from technology, some regulatory gymnastics and exemptions and, like the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, a warm place in people's hearts. If it's going to be around, though, LR would like to move more of them. Building the next generation model in Pune - with final assembly of some examples in England, a reverse of what's done now with products like the knockdown Freelander 2 (read: LR2) - could give the Defender's bottom line the boost it needs, as well as close proximity to Middle Eastern and Asian markets.

It is expected that the next Tata Aria SUV will be close enough in dimensions and manufacturing to share the same facility with the the 2015 Defender. They will remain two distinct vehicles - the Defender will likely go on the T5 ladder chassis that underpins the Discovery/LR4 and Range Rover Sport, and is predicted to have the general features of the DC100 concept. The current Defender is slated to remain on sale until 2017, and will likely be built in Solihull, England until then.

Next Land Rover Defender to be built in India? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 land rover defenderdc100dc100 conceptdefenderland roverland rover defenderpunepune indiatatatata motors Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157089/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157089/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/26/next-land-rover-defender-to-be-built-in-india/20157089/article-detail.xml 20157089 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/landroverdefenderpune_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/landroverdefenderpune.jpg <![CDATA[First 2012 Tata Nano commercial released, it's "Insane, bro!"]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/27/first-2012-tata-nano-commercial-released-its-insane-bro/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/27/first-2012-tata-nano-commercial-released-its-insane-bro/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/27/first-2012-tata-nano-commercial-released-its-insane-bro/#comments Filed under: ,



Tata is discovering, painfully, that perhaps it went a little too cheap when it designed the world's cheapest car. The Nano has been selling at about one-twentieth of company projections, which led to upgrades such as more power, more room, an anti-roll bar, power brakes and better steering.

The first commercial showing off its new attitude has been released. It's understated by what we think of as Indian standards, but it does include the line, "Insane, bro!" You can enjoy it and the new Nano after the jump.

Continue reading First 2012 Tata Nano commercial released, it's "Insane, bro!"

First 2012 Tata Nano commercial released, it's "Insane, bro!" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 nano2012 tata nanocommercialnanotata commercialtata nanotata nano adtata nano commercial Sun, 27 Nov 2011 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20114145/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20114145/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/27/first-2012-tata-nano-commercial-released-its-insane-bro/20114145/article-detail.xml 20114145 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/tatananonewad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/tatananonewad.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #252 LIVE]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-252-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-252-live/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/17/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-252-live/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast

We record Episode #252 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below. Check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #252
[UStream] Interact LIVE at UStream - 10PM Eastern on Monday, October 11, 2011
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #252 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcast 252 live topicsdan wheldonlas vegas 300 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20083699/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20083699/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/17/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-252-live/20083699/article-detail.xml 20083699 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Is the Tata Nano a failure?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/is-the-tata-nano-a-failure/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/is-the-tata-nano-a-failure/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/is-the-tata-nano-a-failure/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Tata Nano on fire

When the Indian conglomerate Tata announced the Nano in 2008, it promised an automotive revolution equivalent to the Model T. The $2,200 Nano would be priced at half the cost of its competition, and single-handedly make four-wheeled transportation ubiquitous in India. Well, that was the plan, anyway.

ForeignPolicy.com is reporting that some three years later the Nano hasn't even begun to live up to its billing. While Tata projected monthly sales of 20,000-25,000 cars, in August the factory shipped a mere 1,200. Despite an annual production capacity of 250,000 Nanos, the company has only managed to sell about 129,000 to date.

While new product failures are a dime a dozen in the auto industry, the homegrown Nano seemed like such a slam dunk, its failure is shocking. Yet FP says the Nano's biggest problem should have been easy to see: Nobody, not even those in developing countries, wants a car whose primary attribute is that it is cheap.

Nano sales have also been hurt by problems with Tata's dealer network and safety concerns after reports of cars catching on fire. Tata told FP that it is addressing these issues, and a new advertising campaign for the car is airing on national television. A Tata spokesman also noted that over 90 percent of Nano owners have reported being satisfied with their cars.

So is the Nano a failure? Certainly it's not the success that many predicted, but revolutions aren't usually as neat and tidy as Steve Jobs liked to make them. And even if all that talk about Tata exporting the cars to the U.S. is looking like utter nonsense today, we found things to like about the Nano when we drove one last year. We're willing to concede that the final chapter on Tata's people's car has yet to be written.

Is the Tata Nano a failure? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 tata nanonanotata Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20079333/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20079333/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/12/is-the-tata-nano-a-failure/20079333/article-detail.xml 20079333 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/nanofire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/nanofire.jpg <![CDATA[Tata finally shows off its $4.6M Nano Gold Plus]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/tata-finally-shows-off-its-4-6m-nano-gold-plus/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/tata-finally-shows-off-its-4-6m-nano-gold-plus/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/tata-finally-shows-off-its-4-6m-nano-gold-plus/#comments Filed under: , , ,

gold plus tata nano

Tata is looking to play with both sides of the automotive pricing coin. On one side, it has the Nano, which is arguably the least expensive new automobile on the planet. In its native India, the Nano can be had from around $2,500, and it's been reported that an updated version would run around $7,000 if sold in North America. Now, however, there is now a special new version of the Nano which raises costs a bit. How does $4.6 million sound?

The Tata family has produced this gold and jewel encrusted Nano as a celebratory ode to their Gold Plus jewelry stores. While a $4.6 million showpiece seems a bit much, it's not everyday your company celebrates its 5,000th anniversary.

This Goldmember-mobile is covered in 176 pounds of 22 karat gold. Add in 33 pounds of silver and over 10,000 precious gems and stones, and you have the bling ride to end all bling ride discussions. Let's hope they upgraded the powertrain to cope with all that extra weight, eh? Get a closer look at this one-off $4.6 million Nano by clicking through our gallery.

Tata finally shows off its $4.6M Nano Gold Plus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> gold cargold nanogold plusgold plus nanogold tatagold-covered nanoindiananotatatata nanoworlds cheapest car Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20047394/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20047394/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/20/tata-finally-shows-off-its-4-6m-nano-gold-plus/20047394/article-detail.xml 20047394 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/0001-tata-nano-gold-plus-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/0001-tata-nano-gold-plus-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Tata CEO Forster steps down after only 18 months]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/12/tata-ceo-forster-steps-down-after-only-18-months/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/12/tata-ceo-forster-steps-down-after-only-18-months/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/12/tata-ceo-forster-steps-down-after-only-18-months/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Carl-Peter ForsterTata Motors has announced that its group chief executive officer, Carl-Peter Forster, resigned with immediate effect, only 18 months after joining the company.

Tata, India's leading maker of trucks and buses, and owner of Jaguar and Land Rover, says Forster resigned due to "unavoidable personal circumstances," but will remain a non-executive member of Tata Motors' board. Forster stated:
I deeply regret that my personal circumstances make it difficult for me to continue to perform the challenging duties of managing the thriving global activities of the Tata Motors Group with its main activities in India and the UK and increasingly in additional overseas markets.
Forster's departure comes as Tata Motors continues its lengthy search for a successor to Ratan Tata, who is set to retire soon as chairman of the sprawling conglomerate. Forster joined Tata in February 2010 after leaving Opel, with his focus on turning around the then-struggling Jaguar-Land Rover division. Tata Motors is currently seeking Forster's replacement.

Continue reading Tata CEO Forster steps down after only 18 months

Tata CEO Forster steps down after only 18 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> carl-peter forsterceoceo forsterforsterjaguarland roverresignationtatatata motors Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20039488/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20039488/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/12/tata-ceo-forster-steps-down-after-only-18-months/20039488/article-detail.xml 20039488 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/carl-peter-forster_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/carl-peter-forster.jpg <![CDATA[Rajasthan, India offering free Tata Nano in exchange for your sterilization]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/01/rajasthan-india-offering-free-tata-nano-in-exchange-for-your-st/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/01/rajasthan-india-offering-free-tata-nano-in-exchange-for-your-st/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/01/rajasthan-india-offering-free-tata-nano-in-exchange-for-your-st/#comments Filed under: , ,

tata nano
2011 Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a 2011 census, India has a population of 1,210,193,422 people. That's 17.47 percent of the world's population living on just 2.3 percent of the planet. The only place more crowded is a new In-N-Out at lunch time. Health officials in India are looking for novel ways to drum up interest in sterilization clinics, and one in particular has resorted to prize giveaways. The top draw? A new Tata Nano.

According to The Times of India, Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan is offering a variety of prizes for men who come into their clinic and put the clamps on their own private ball state swim team. Besides the Nano, prizes include motorcycles, TVs and kitchen stand mixers.

Rajasthan, India offering free Tata Nano in exchange for your sterilization originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> free nanoindiaindia populationindia sterilization clinicjhunjhunuoverpopulationrajasthansterilizationsterilizetatatata nano Fri, 01 Jul 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19980826/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19980826/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/01/rajasthan-india-offering-free-tata-nano-in-exchange-for-your-st/19980826/article-detail.xml 19980826 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lead1tatanano2011qs-1279869138_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lead1tatanano2011qs-1279869138.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Tata to double Nano production amidst sales uptick]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/08/report-tata-to-double-nano-production-amidst-sales-uptick/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/08/report-tata-to-double-nano-production-amidst-sales-uptick/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/08/report-tata-to-double-nano-production-amidst-sales-uptick/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2011 Tata Nano CX
2011 Tata Nano CX - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tata Nano has enjoyed an increase in sales in the last couple of months, reportedly sparking Tata Motors to double production of its budget-minded microcar this fiscal year. In March, the Indian automaker moved 8,707 examples, pulling to within spitting distance of its 9,000-unit sales record for July, 2010.

After a summer selling record numbers, the Nano's sales plummeted to just 589 in November, following numerous reports that alleged that the cars were mysteriously bursting into flames. After the mysterious fires, Tata offered free extended warranties on the cars, up to 90 percent financing on easy terms, and a comprehensive maintenance plan at just 99 rupees a month (about $2.25 U.S.).

The incentives seem to have struck a chord with buyers, and the Nano is right back where it was a year ago. Currently, Tata is building 9,000-10,000 cars a month at its Sanand, India plant, and had planned to increase that rate to 15,000 this fiscal year. In light of the sales spike, though, that number was bumped to 18,000 to 20,000 units a month.


Gallery: 2011 Tata Nano CX: Quick Spin


Photos copyright (C)2011 Rex Roy / AOL

[Source: The Hindu Business Line]

Report: Tata to double Nano production amidst sales uptick originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 Tata Nano CXnanotatatata motorstata nanoworlds cheapest car Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19906159/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19906159/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/08/report-tata-to-double-nano-production-amidst-sales-uptick/19906159/article-detail.xml 19906159 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lead1tatanano2011qs-1279869138_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/lead1tatanano2011qs-1279869138.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #222: Chevy Colorado, Porsche 918, Tata Nano for U.S. and J.D. Power Reliability]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/22/autoblog-podcast-222-chevy-colorado-porsche-918-tata-nano-fo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/22/autoblog-podcast-222-chevy-colorado-porsche-918-tata-nano-fo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/22/autoblog-podcast-222-chevy-colorado-porsche-918-tata-nano-fo/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

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Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Autoblog Podcast #222 is ready to go, and the crew this week is Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman and Dan Roth. Joining this trio is Dave Sullivan of AutoPacific, and topics range from the next-generation Chevrolet Colorado, to the Porsche 918 Spyder, the possibility of the Tata Nano in the States and J.D. Power Reliability results. Your feedback in our Q&A module winds us up, and we've embedded that in the post below, as well. Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #222: Chevrolet Colorado concept, Porsche 918 Spyder, Tata Nano in the U.S. and JD Power Reliability

In the Autoblog Garage:


  • Guest: Dave Sullivan
Runtime: 01:28:10



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Autoblog Podcast #222: Chevy Colorado, Porsche 918, Tata Nano for U.S. and J.D. Power Reliability originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog podcastautopacificchevrolet colorado conceptfeaturedj.d. powerjd powerporsche 918 spyderscott burgess resignstata nano Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:15:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #222Autoblog01:28:10 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19888322/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19888322/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/22/autoblog-podcast-222-chevy-colorado-porsche-918-tata-nano-fo/19888322/article-detail.xml 19888322 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/autoblog-podcast-3.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Tata hopes to offer $7,000 car in U.S.]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/report-tata-hopes-to-offer-7-000-car-in-u-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/report-tata-hopes-to-offer-7-000-car-in-u-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/18/report-tata-hopes-to-offer-7-000-car-in-u-s/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2011 Tata Nano CX - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is the Tata Nano finally ready to take on U.S. roads? Ratan Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group, believes so, but the car won't be the same $2,500 vehicle found in India. Instead, according to The New York Times, Tata says the American market will get a car built to be competitive here yet still priced well below the competition.

It seems the North American-spec Nano could cost between $7,000 and $8,000. Will that be enough to lure buyers into their local Tata dealer's showrooms? If gas prices keep climbing, consumers could be attracted by the Nano if the Americanized version can achieve something along the lines of the 52 miles per gallon city/62 miles per gallon highway fuel economy that the current model achieves.


Gallery: 2011 Tata Nano CX: Quick Spin


Photos Copyright (C)2011 Rex Roy / AOL

[Source: The New York Times]

Report: Tata hopes to offer $7,000 car in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> american tata nanonanoratan tatatatatata nanous-spec tata nano Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19883194/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19883194/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/18/report-tata-hopes-to-offer-7-000-car-in-u-s/19883194/article-detail.xml 19883194 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01tatanano2011qs-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01tatanano2011qs-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Tata Pixel given European green light]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/16/report-tata-pixel-given-european-green-light/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/16/report-tata-pixel-given-european-green-light/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/16/report-tata-pixel-given-european-green-light/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2011 Tata Pixel Concept
2011 Tata Pixel Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tata Motors has reportedly approved the Tata Pixel, a microcar concept it showed off at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, for production. The minute Pixel is advertised as the most efficiently-packaged four-seater in the world. It comes in at just under 10 feet long, and is nearly a foot shy of the Tata Nano's overall length.

Assuming the report from Autocar is accurate, the Pixel will take the place of the previously-proposed Nano Europa once the doors have been converted to traditionally-opening units and the gauges have been engineered.

The Pixel will be powered by the Nano's 60-horsepower, 1.2-liter diesel, which will be mounted under the back seats, turning a five-speed gearbox. No word yet on when Tata plans to have the car on sale, but it seems to be pushing through quickly.


Gallery: Tata Pixel Concept: Geneva 2011


Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Tata Pixel given European green light originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 tata pixelgeneva motor shownanopixeltatatata motorstata nano Wed, 16 Mar 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19880399/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19880399/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/16/report-tata-pixel-given-european-green-light/19880399/article-detail.xml 19880399 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/tata-pixel-concept-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/tata-pixel-concept-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva 2011: Tata Pixel Concept turns on itself]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/02/geneva-2011-tata-pixel-concept-turns-on-itself/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/02/geneva-2011-tata-pixel-concept-turns-on-itself/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/02/geneva-2011-tata-pixel-concept-turns-on-itself/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Tata Pixel Concept
Tata Pixel Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tata has revealed its Euro city car concept in Geneva today and it's a trick little piece. First off, Tata says it is the most efficiently-packaged four-seater in the world, comfortably seating four regulation-size adults in a car just 10 feet long.

Even more trick is the car's zero turning radius system, which, in simple terms, rotates the rear wheels in separate directions to make parking as easy as possible in tight spaces. According to Tata, the system works with the help of something called a "Zero Turn turoidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission. Right. The effect is that the outside rear wheel spins forward while the inside wheels spins backward, creating a pivot point.

In keeping with the modern microcar trend, Tata claims that the Pixel will return more than 60 mpg and only releases 89 grams of C02 per kilometer. The efficiency comes by way of a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbodiesel, which, though it isn't a full hybrid, employs stop-start technology and regenerative battery charging.

Could we be looking at a blueprint for a future Nano? Perhaps more in form factor than in specific technologies, but either way, this is a nifty looking little space egg.

Gallery: Tata Pixel Concept: Geneva 2011


Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL
[Source: Tata]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Tata Pixel Concept turns on itself

Geneva 2011: Tata Pixel Concept turns on itself originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> genevageneva 2011geneva motor showpixelpixel concepttatatata nanotata pixeltatamotors Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19864558/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19864558/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/03/02/geneva-2011-tata-pixel-concept-turns-on-itself/19864558/article-detail.xml 19864558 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/tata-pixel-concept_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/tata-pixel-concept.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Tata pours $15M into project researching water as fuel]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/03/report-tata-pours-15m-into-project-researching-water-as-fuel/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/03/report-tata-pours-15m-into-project-researching-water-as-fuel/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/03/report-tata-pours-15m-into-project-researching-water-as-fuel/#comments Filed under: , ,

Ratan Tata has a drink

The lure of extracting hydrogen from water in a somewhat real-time fashion in sufficient quantities to power an automobile has so far been a complete dead-end pursuit. One of the biggest problems is that it takes more energy to release the hydrogen from its water-tight bonds than is actually returned by the resulting hydrogen.

But those basic laws of physics haven't stopped scientists with well-funded checkbooks from trying. The latest endeavor comes from Daniel Nocera of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is being funded by Indian businessman Ratan Tata, who, among other things, heads the global automaker that bears his name. At this time, the total grant comes in at $15 million.

As intriguing as all of this sounds, it bears mentioning that water-powered cars have repeatedly failed in their missions (see here) of offering nearly free fuel for all.

Take the story of the MDI's air car. In 2007, Tata signed a deal with MDI to bring the air-powered car to market and the companies said in early 2008 that the car would require nearly two years of work. We have heard little about it since then except a name change to FlowAir and a lot of skepticism that it would ever see the light of day at all. Will Tata's hydrogen bet fare any better? Thanks to Matteo and Roy B. for the tips!

[Sources: Sify News, ANSA.IT | Image: AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade]

Report: Tata pours $15M into project researching water as fuel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> daniel noceragreenmassachusetts institute of technologymitratan tatatatatata motorswaterwater fuelwater gas Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19784417/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19784417/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/01/03/report-tata-pours-15m-into-project-researching-water-as-fuel/19784417/article-detail.xml 19784417 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/ratan-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/ratan-630.jpg -1 2