Autoblog

Renault-Nissan vows to build world's cheapest car? Nano-nah-nah-nah-nah!

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Nissan, Renault, India, Tata

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.

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Hyundai opens Indian R&D facility to develop small cars

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Hyundai, India

Over the past decade, Hyundai has rapidly moved up into the top echelon of the worlds automakers and part of its success has come from better tailoring its cars to local needs. To help in that respect, the South Korean company has opened a network of technical centers in the regions where it does business.

Last week, Hyundai opened it fourth R&D facility outside of Korea with its new location in Hyderabad, India. The Indian center will focus on developing small cars and the home office has named it the global center of excellence for the segment.

The Hyderabad Center is starting off with 300 engineers and will also be providing support services to other locations in South Korea, Japan, Germany and the United States. The 300,000 square-foot facility took two years to build at a cost of $25 million.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai opens Indian R&D facility to develop small cars

Hyundai opens Indian R&D facility to develop small cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: David Coulthard gets a speeding ticket. In an F1 car.

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, India

David Coulthard demonstrates for Red Bull Racing in Mumbai, India - Click above for high-res image gallery

You can't blame an F1 driver from driving fast. That's what they're supposed to do. Evidently authorities in India feel differently, however, as they've slapped David Coulthard with an enormous £20,000 (approx $33k) ticket for breaking the speed limit. The kicker? It was for a Formula 1 demonstration on a closed-off section of roadway.

The winner of thirteen grands prix (and one of the top points scorers of all time) retired from active racing at the end of last season, but remains a consultant and test driver for the Red Bull Racing team which he helped form. The team recently held a demonstration run in Mumbai, India, drawing a crowd of some 50,000 racing fans.

Part of the route took Coulthard across the Rajiv Ghandi Sea Link. The bridge has a maximum speed limit of 62 miles per hour, and even drops to 31 MPH in some parts. DC, however, was clocked at 162 MPH. As a result, the local authorities are reportedly withholding the £20,000 deposit which the team put down for the event, making for one mammoth speeding ticket. But at least Coulthard isn't stuck paying out of pocket.

Gallery: Red Bull Racing demonstration in Mumbai, India

[Source: Autosport]

REPORT: David Coulthard gets a speeding ticket. In an F1 car. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Crossover, Ford, Lincoln, India

Rico Auto Industries in India makes transmission parts for Ford's Flex and Edge, along with its upscale Lincoln MKT and MKX twins. Unfortunately for the Blue Oval, Automotive News is reporting that Rico's operations are in flux because of persistent troubles between labor and management. A few weeks ago, some of the supplier's workers went on strike after members were suspended and fired by management. On October 18, the striking workers marched to the factory and got involved in an altercation with "unidentified men" supposedly "acting at the behest of Rico Auto's management." During the brawl, a 26-year-old worker was killed.

In the meantime, Ford reportedly hasn't got the parts it needs to build the crossovers it makes at its Oakville, Ontario plant and will be forced to idle the key facility next week. Ford is watching the situation in India closely - if production isn't restored soon, the lack of parts could impact other plants in addition to Ontario and its 3,000 workers.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd. | Image: Simon Hayter/Getty]

REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Secondhand Tata Nano models commanding 30% markup as India's elite grabs on to new trend

Chris Shunk — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: India, Tata

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.

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Last Place on Earth: SSC Ultimate Aero TT headed for... India?

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, India

Though we've never been, we often hear that time slows down in India. The pace of life is so different there and so far away from everyday American/Western experience that time feels as if it's crawling. On the opposite end of the spectrum lies the SSC Ultimate Aero TT. A car that while we haven't driven (yet), but have on pretty good authority speeds time up. So what happens if SSC were to stick its super fast chocolate in India's s.l.o.w. peanut butter, so to speak? You'd wind up with a very, very expensive car, speed, or lack thereof, be damned.

If you don't know, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT is the fastest production car in the world. Last time Guinness clocked 'em, the TT went 257 mph -- that's 4 mph faster than a Bugatti Veyron. And course, SSC has long maintained that the Ultimate Aero TT is capable of hitting 271 mph. As such, it's pretty pricey. Expect to pay a hair over $650,000. However, India has some pretty stiff import tariffs, sometimes as high as 100%. And in the case of a ~~$650,000~~ $770,000 two seater (though "only" $740,000 in the States) that gets [CENSORED] miles per gallon, it's definitely going to be a 100% tax.

A few things to take away from this admittedly odd piece of auto news. Once it goes on sale, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT will be the most expensive car in India, selling for more than the current champ from Maybach. Not only has India's nouveau riche population manage to ride out and beat the global economic meltdown, but India is minting more millionaires quicker than anywhere else. Not only that, but the luxury (meaning expensive) car market has actually found a way to grow, and in fact grow faster than any other automotive segment. The previously only available in the U.S. and Russian Ultimate Aero TT should be and feel right at home.

Gallery: SSC Ultimate Aero TT

[Source: India Times]

Last Place on Earth: SSC Ultimate Aero TT headed for... India? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Electric Chevy Spark to get its fire from... Reva?

Domenick Yoney — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST

2010 Chevy Spark - Click above for high-res image gallery

Reva, the little electric car company from India whose product has withstood ridicule from the likes of automotive entertainer Jeremy Clarkson, seems to be working very hard of late to turn those jeers into cheers. Not only will it be showing off two new models with fancy telematic systems and a "wireless charging" setup in Frankfurt next week, but news now comes it may be supplying GM India with the drivetrain components necessary to electrify the Chevy Spark. According to The Economic Times, if the Detroit headquarters gives the green light, the sub-continent subsidiary will enter into a joint venture with Reva Electric Car Company in what would be the first such deal for The General since those pesky bankruptcy problems.

If the deal does go ahead, we hope GM will use the 2010 version of the Spark rather than the current incredibly mediocre-looking re-badged Daewoo Matiz version. Looks count, and it would be embarrassing if the global Goliath racked up lower sales numbers than the David with which it had partnered. However it works out for GM, the agreement would be a boon to Reva, adding revenue and perhaps even allowing it to say arrivederci to their Rodney Dangerfield reputation. Thanks to Aviv for the tip!

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: The Economic Times]

REPORT: Electric Chevy Spark to get its fire from... Reva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra's 30-mpg diesel-powered Pik-Up gets driven

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:42:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, India, Diesel

Mike Levine over at PickupTrucks.com got a chance to drive the Mahindra Pik-Up regular cab with a 7-foot bed and lived to say rather good things about it. He drove the 2.5-liter diesel spec that is a generation behind what we'll get here, so actual driving impressions are moot.

The real story was the impressive discoveries tempered by the mild question marks: the diesel sounds good, shifting into third is a bit tricky; visibility is fantastic but the interior is a bit tight; the bed is good for swallowing loads, but the external tie-downs and styling are a little dated.

And with commendable NVH in its favor, Levine rated the Pik-Up "a truck that could function as a daily driver as well as a workhorse." We're not sure we'd want to test the 5,000-pound towing capacity, but as The Little Truck That Could, it sounds like it's all right. Follow the link to read all about it.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Mahindra's 30-mpg diesel-powered Pik-Up gets driven originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Americans warming to idea of Chinese, Indian autos?

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, China, Etc., India, South Korea

Geely GE - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've known for a while now that Mexicans are getting some Chinese cars with their ten gallon jars of pickles, but what about Americans? Would we go for vehicles from another country from across the Pacific? There's a wonderful moment at the end of Tucker: A Man and his Dreams where Jeff Bridge's Preston Tucker character pleads with the jury at his corruption trial that if American industry doesn't change change course, we'll soon be buying our cameras from the Japanese.

According to a new study, 15% of American new car shoppers are ready to buy cars from China, while 11% are ready to buy their wheels from India. Ready for the kicker? Just 16% said they would consider a car from Korea. Ouch. Said George Peterson, head of the study, "As Hyundai and Kia have been on the American scene for decades now, it's surprising that consideration for Chinese and Indian brands, sight unseen, would be about as strong as it is for the Korean brands." Surprising, sure. And if you live near Seoul, depressing. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geely GE

[Source: Auto Pacific]

Continue reading Americans warming to idea of Chinese, Indian autos?

Americans warming to idea of Chinese, Indian autos? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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India's Rickshaw Challenge is lunacy on three wheels

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Motorcycle, India

Any race that bills itself as, "As An Amazing Race For The Clinically Insane" had better be pretty special. Special like a 24 Hours of LeMons where all the drivers freebase psilocybin special. Good news - the Rickshaw Challenge seems to be just about that special.

Serious: participants are taken "into the heart of India, where you'll traverse every possible micro climate; from metropolis, tropical jungle, arid desert, ancient valleys and the epic coastline." And the whole race is run on three-wheeled Auto Rickshaws (yes, that blue thing). Why? Oh, you know, like... charity. Or something. But no matter the excuse, this race looks like one hundred pounds of fun in a fifty pound bag. I mean, just read through the pimpin' section.The Rickshaw Challenge runs four events per year and the Mumbai Xpress 2009 starts this Friday, July 31. Man, we wish were were signed up.

[Source: Rickshawchallenge.com]

India's Rickshaw Challenge is lunacy on three wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Many Tata Nanos to be used as taxi cabs?

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Hatchback, India, Tata

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.

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REPORT: Tata Nano passes European crash testing

Michael Harley — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Safety, India, Tata

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.

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REPORT: Tata selects first 100,000 Nano buyers from lotto

Chris Shunk — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Tata

Tata Nano - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Interest in the world's most affordable new car has been very strong, as Tata Motors reportedly received 206,000 applications for the $2,500 Nano. Due to production constraints, Tata ran a lottery to determine which of the applicants would receive one of the first 100,000 Nanos, and the Indian automaker is informing the "winners" in person.

The first 100,000 customers eligible to receive a Nano will get their car by the end of 2010, with deliveries beginning in July. The first allotment of 100,000 Nanos will be price protected to remain consistent with Tata's press release in March. Of the 106,000 Tata customers left out in the cold (for now) 51,000 chose not to keep their names in contention for future Nano lotteries. Those customers will be offered discounts on other Tata products.

The remaining 55,000 customers that are still in contention for future Nano lotteries are also being offered discounts. Since Tata collected a "booking fee" for the right to enter the lottery, that money will collect 8.5% interest if the Nano is delivered withing two years, and 8.75% if it takes longer than two years.

Gallery: Tata Nano

[Source: Telegraph India]

REPORT: Tata selects first 100,000 Nano buyers from lotto originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Order books (finally) open on $2,000 Tata Nano

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, India, Tata

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Tata Nano

It's been a long time in the making, but the official launch of the Tata Nano has finally taken place. Billed as the World's Cheapest Car, the diminutive Nano will sell for just Rs. 1 lakh (about $2,000 U.S.) as it leaves the factory, though shipping, taxes and registration adds a considerable amount to that total. Still, there's a great deal of anticipation for the little car in its home market of India.

In base trim, the Tata Nano comes in just three colors without a radio or air conditioning, although higher-spec versions are available that include more color choices, along with such niceties as central locking, front power windows, fog lamps, a cup holder, and even a rear spoiler.

While it may be short on amenities, the real intent of the Nano is to get Indian families off their two-wheelers and inside the relative comfort and safety of a proper automobile. As such, the 33-horsepower, 623cc two-cylinder engine and four-speed gearbox is reportedly powerful enough to get the Nano to Indian highway speeds, and the car meets all required safety and emissions requirements. It also comes standard with an 18-month/24,000 kilometer warranty.

Due to the huge demand expected for the car, the automaker has created a special process for reservations. A computer will randomly choose the first 100,000 customers that will have the opportunity to purchase a new Nano. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in July, but in the meantime, Nano-intenders will soon be able to accessorize their life with appropriate accoutrements, including a Nano phone, wristwatch, and t-shirts. Official press release available after the jump. Thanks to all who sent this in!

Gallery: Tata Nano

[Source: Tata Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: Order books (finally) open on $2,000 Tata Nano

Officially Official: Order books (finally) open on $2,000 Tata Nano originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2009: Bodacious Tatas - Indian automaker debuts Nano Europa

Chris Paukert — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Green, India, Tata

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tata Nano Europa

Uttering the word "Europa" should spark memories of the funky and fragile Lotus of the '60s and '70s, or perhaps the British sportscar company's more recent revival. What one normally doesn't tend to think of is the Tata Nano.

That may change, however, as the discount Indian auto is slated to come to The Continent wearing the Nano Europa badge, and it will arrive with more standard equipment and a higher base price than the target $2,500 USD it will sell for in India. Judging from the production-ready models debuting at the Geneva Motor Show this week, it will also be the best-looking Nano in the family.

While the naming usage may have Colin Chapman rolling in his minimalist coffin, the Nano Europa still shares a few similarities, including a low curb weight, small wheels at the corners, small engines with unusual placements, and so on.

The Europa differs significantly from the standard Nano with a longer 2.28-meter wheelbase (90 inches, or about 7.5 inches longer), a different drivetrain and added standard equipment. In fact, the Europa offers a raft of high-end new-to-Nano features like four-lug 14-inch alloy wheels, electric power steering, LED lighting (unlikely to see production) and even a standard passenger-side mirror. Did we mention it even has an all-aluminum three-cylinder engine and a five-speed transmission for less-dangerous highway cruising?

All joking aside, the Europa also figures to get more safety features, including stability control and anti-lock brakes, and Tata says the car will adhere to all necessary safety regulations before it goes on sale.

While pricing has not been announced, there is talk of hitting the 5,000 Euro bogey (around $6350 USD) when the car launches for 2011, and if the company can hit that target price, we suspect there will be far more Tata Europas extant than Lotus Europas in just a few months' worth of production. High-res gallery of both yellow and silver Europas below, official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Tata Nano Europa

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Bodacious Tatas - Indian automaker debuts Nano Europa

Geneva 2009: Bodacious Tatas - Indian automaker debuts Nano Europa originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra profits tank 99% amidst currency woes

Chris Tutor — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:26:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, India

You think that General Motors and Chrysler are in trouble? Take a look at India's largest SUV-maker, Mahindra. It posted a whopping 99% drop in profits last quarter due to the double blow of a 26% sales dip and a "currency loss."

The lack of interested car buyers is an all-too-familiar theme, but the currency loss is more complicated. In a statement, Mahindra said the loss was due mostly to "cancellation of forward covers entered into by the company to hedge certain anticipated exports." Translation: the company invested in the currency markets to cover any possible losses in its exports. When the rupee fell 19% last year, there was nothing to cover Mahindra's 54% drop in exports. But despite all that, the company actually did manage to make a profit, even if it was only $245,000.

What does this mean to you? Other than being another name on a growing list of carmaker carnage, it could mean an even longer delay for everyone hoping to buy one of Mahindra's trucks in the U.S., not to mention that Mahindra is almost definitely not interested in Hummer now.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Mahindra profits tank 99% amidst currency woes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tata Indica celebrates decade of sales with special edition

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:23:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, India, Tata, Specialty

This cute little guy is the Tata Indica Vista, a special edition created to celebrate ten years of Indica sales. The Indica has perennially been one of India's best selling cars, as well as being Tata's prime mover. Given credit for greatly lifting the fortunes of the company, the Indica walks off with 78% of sales among the cars built on its platform (like the Indigo and Marina).

With design elements that might be generously taken from Ford's European design language, the Vista's changes from the regular Indica are all cosmetic. It will get a specially designed number plate, an interior with better materials and design, an integrated audio system and double-stitched seats. It will come in a selection of colors and a variety of wheel options, and if you're keen on the Vista, you can even read a review. For the rest of you, the full press release is after the jump. Let's hope Tata can create the same magic with Jaguar and Land Rover after ten years of ownership.

[Source: Indian Autos Blog]

Continue reading Tata Indica celebrates decade of sales with special edition

Tata Indica celebrates decade of sales with special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rolls-Royce Phantom mobile phone store in India

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, India, Humor

It's called ingenuity, and it's given us such things as the cell phone and the Rolls-Royce Phantom. So why not combine the two to create a cell phone store in the back of a Rolls-Royce Phantom? That's evidently what some well-heeled entrepreneurs in India did, purchasing a Phantom instead of a brick-and-mortar storefront, painting it up, and traveling the hillsides hawking mobile phones. It got caught in this regrettable pose - with rocks bracing its tires, because after getting a flat tire, the provincial tire shop had no idea how to fix it. But back to the ingenuity, mad props to the folks who came up with this: more attention-getting than Aishyarwa Rai, more convenient than Domino's Pizza, and more comfortable than... a real store. The world is an amazing place, no?

[Source: NFS Cars]

Rolls-Royce Phantom mobile phone store in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tata ready to move Nano plant away from contentious region

Chris Shunk — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, India, Tata

Click above for high-res gallery of the Tata Nano

The Tata Nano may be the most expensive vehicle ever to be the cheapest new car on earth. Violent protests at one of the car's planned assembly sites have gotten so rampant that the Indian automaker is near a deal to exit the nearly completed West Bengal facility all together. Just a few days after a supplier CEO was killed by a mob of protesters, two body guards were also assaulted at the contentious facility. The controversy in West Bengal centers around the land that local farmers lost to the $200 million Euro facility, and with the building nearly complete, it's hard to believe that land will be returned any time soon even if Tata did abandon the region.

Word out of India is that the state of Karnataka has offered Tata Motors 1,000 acres plus incentives to move Nano production there, and the local media is reporting that Tata is going to announce plans as early as next week. We're not in the micro car business, but if we were, we'd avoid building them where there is the constant threat of being beaten or killed by an angry mob. Moving Nano production to a region that actually wants the Tata there seems like a foregone conclusion at this point.

Gallery: Tata Nano

[Source: Motor Trend]

Tata ready to move Nano plant away from contentious region originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Supplier CEO attacked and killed by laid-off workers

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, India, Tata

The Tata Nano, which will be the world's least expensive car, has already exacted enormous sums of money and time. A dispute over the location of a new factory has cost Tata close to a year of court wrangling and might end up spoiling a £200 million investment. Now the efforts to build the Nano have cost a life.

Unhappy workers were invited to a meeting with Indian and Italian executives of Cerlikon-Graziano Transmissions, which makes auto parts, to discuss reinstatement. Only a few workers were in the meeting, but more than a hundred were waiting outside. When those outside heard someone inside call for help, they rushed in, and in a mob fog anger, bludgeoned the company's operations head, Lalit Kishore Choudhary, to death.

It was later reported that some of the folks involved in the melee weren't even employees of the company. What Tata will need to urgently figure out is where it needs to go -- inside or outside of India -- to build the Nano without backlash. In the mean time, our condolences go to the Choudhary family. Thanks to all who tipped in.

[Source: Times Online]

Supplier CEO attacked and killed by laid-off workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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