Autoblog

REPORT: GM-SAIC pondering Tata Nano fighter?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, China, GM, India, Rumormill

Though the minuscule Tata Nano hasn't even been on the market for a complete year, the impact it's had on the automotive world may be exactly inverse to its size and price. In other words, it's had a huge effect, proving to the world that it's possible to build a business plan around selling super cheap cars in rapidly expanding markets.

You can reportedly add the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) and General Motors joint venture to the list of automakers that have taken notice of the Nano. According to reports rolling in from China and India, the 50:50 JV is considering a vehicle that would be positioned below the Chevy Spark/Daewoo Matiz that would sell for as little as $3,500.

So far, GM/SAIC isn't commenting on the reports, but has indicated in the past that it plans to build small vans, SUVs and cars for emerging markets like China and India.

[Source: WheelsUnplugged | Image: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images]

REPORT: GM-SAIC pondering Tata Nano fighter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Tata Nano Europa production details, images come to light

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:41:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, UK, Tata

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.

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Project Penguin: Is Tata Motors planning a Nano-based pickup?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Truck, India, Tata

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.

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REPORT: Ratan Tata again confirms hybrid Tata Nano

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Hatchback, India, Tata

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.

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It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted

Dan Roth — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Honda, Suzuki, Toyota, India, Tata, Design/Style

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.

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REPORT: Tata already tweaking Nano based on market feedback

Chris Shunk — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, India, Tata

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.

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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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VIDEO: Ford press conference yields surprise $650 car announcement

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Ford, Humor

Ford makes surprise $650 car announcement - click above image to watch the video

Between the hysteria of this week's SEMA Show and Chrysler's never-ending (and partially baffling) revelations yesterday, a shocking announcement by Ford Motor Company has been nearly drowned out. But rest assured, your Autoblog team never rests (even after huffing down 9,000 calories apiece at Vegas' Wynn Buffet!) and have tracked down this astounding piece of news. Ford has taken a long, hard look at the state of the American automotive scene and has decided to do the (almost) unthinkable - sell us a car for $650.

Now, there are no doubt naysayers amongst you that will point to a $650 Ford and cry, "Malarkey!" And with good reason. After all, under cutting the Tata Nano by a full $1,350 is no easy feat. However, times are tough. And with a nearly 10% national unemployment rate, a $650 car makes sound, economic sense. But don't take our word for it. Make the jump to watch Ford VP Daniel Grossman introduce Ford's new entry level car.

[Source: O-SPAN6]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford press conference yields surprise $650 car announcement

VIDEO: Ford press conference yields surprise $650 car announcement originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Tata may let other automakers build Nano

Chris Shunk — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Tata

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.

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REPORT: Nissan working on Tata Nano-like cheap car strategy

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, China, Hatchback, Nissan, India

India's Tata Nano has seemingly shown the world's remaining automakers that it's possible to build a small, inexpensive car for emerging markets that's still profitable. You can reportedly count Nissan among the companies paying close attention and the Japanese automaker reportedly has plans to launch a new small car platform in Thailand, India and China starting in March of 2010.

The new vehicle architecture is called V (as in Versatile), and it's been in development since 2005. According to drive.com.au, the car will sport 18-percent fewer parts than current Nissan compacts and as many components as possible will be sourced from local areas.

Crucial to the success of the program is a massive number of sales - a whopping one million vehicles per year by 2013, which would represent nearly a third of all Nissan's sold in the last three months. To make that goal a reality, sales in Europe and the United States are also planned, possibly as early as 2011.

[Source: drive.com.au]

REPORT: Nissan working on Tata Nano-like cheap car strategy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Tata investigating as Nano owners report steering column fires

Noah Joseph — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, India, Tata

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.

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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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GM mulling ultra-inexpensive Tata Nano competitor for Asia?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, GM, Rumormill

_{2010 Chevy Spark - Click for high-res image gallery}

What will the world's cheapest car, the Tata Nano, do to the auto market? Bring friends. We're hearing that General Motors could be planning a Tata Nano competitor that would go on sale in Asia for under $4,000. GM's new executive vice president for international operations, Nick Reilly, told The Wall Street Journal that offering an ultra-cheap car the low-cost space is of interest to the automaker, but only in certain markets.

The manufacturer would likely be SAIC-GM-Wuling Automotive Co., which is made up, in part, of the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Reilly made his announcement in Brazil, though, which is GM's third largest market. So we'll at least keep a tiny ear out for a cheap Latin American model, too.

Gallery: 2010 Chevy Spark

[Source: Dow Jones Newswires via The Wall Street Journal]

GM mulling ultra-inexpensive Tata Nano competitor for Asia? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:00:00 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: First Tata Nano delivered to customer in Mumbai [w/VIDEO]

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Videos, India, Tata

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.

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VIDEO: Tata Nano gets its crash on

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Safety, Tata

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.

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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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Rumormill: Could Tata Nano be sold in U.S. Fiat-Chrysler dealers?

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Chrysler, Fiat, India, Tata, Rumormill

Tata Nano Europa - Click above for high-res gallery

Looks like Tata Motors is trying to get the Nano into U.S. dealerships by 2011. India's largest domestic automaker thinks "the world's cheapest car" could do well here, especially given our nation's economic conditions right now. The car will likely not be as cheap when it is re-engineered to meet U.S. crash and emissions standards, but it should still be inexpensive enough to attract quite a few buyers.

There remain a couple of big roadblocks, however. First of all, how do you re-engineer the car so quickly, and secondly, where do you sell it on these shores? Rumors of distribution through Jaguar/Land Rover dealers was quickly dispelled, so that's where Fiat-Chrysler may come in, argues New York Times correspondent Nick Kurczewski.

The logic proceeds as follows: Fiat and Tata already collaborate on several joint ventures. They share a huge factory in India. Tata sells Fiats in India. Tata gets to use Fiat diesel engines and Tata developed a pickup truck that will be sold as a Fiat as well. Adding Chrysler into the mix at least helps with distribution and possibly with engineering help for a speedy conversion to U.S. standards.

Kurczewski argues that the American market Nano could even revive the Autobianchi name for Fiat, as the Italian carmaker has expressed an interest in launching an entry-level brand below Fiat. A Fiat-Chrysler Nano would go a long way toward meeting the EPA's new 35 mpg standards, even after it's upgraded with air bags and possibly a more powerful three-cylinder engine to please American drivers.

[Source: New York Times]

Rumormill: Could Tata Nano be sold in U.S. Fiat-Chrysler dealers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Tata confirms Nano U.S.-bound in around two years

Michael Harley — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:36:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Tata

Tato Nano Europa - Click above for a photo gallery

Americans may have the opportunity to welcome the Tata Nano to their shores in just over two years, according to a confirmation from David Good, a U.S. rep for the Indian automaker. Before it arrives, Tata assures that the ultra-cheap compact with a base price of just $2500 will be configured to meet all emission and crash standards. If successful, we could see see versions of the Indian microcars running on biofuel and diesel.

But who will distribute the teensy Tatas? Well, that's up in the air right now. A brand-new dealer network for the brand has been discussed. Another option would be selling the Nano through Jaguar and Land Rover dealerships -- the Indian automaker owns both, after all. That long shot was quickly dismissed by Stuart Schorr, a spokesman for Jaguar Land Rover, before the repercussions could sink in.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Tata Nano Europa

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

REPORT: Tata confirms Nano U.S.-bound in around two years originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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