Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Tata Nano Europa production details, images come to light]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-tata-nano-europa-production-details-images-come-to-ligh/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-tata-nano-europa-production-details-images-come-to-ligh/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/10/report-tata-nano-europa-production-details-images-come-to-ligh/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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

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

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

[Source: Autocar]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 tata nano europa2011TataNanoEuropananonano europaNanoEuropatatatata motorstata nanotata nano europatata nano europetata nano usTataMotorsTataNanoTataNanoEuropaTataNanoEuropeTataNanoUsThu, 10 Dec 2009 17:41:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tata Motors back in the black as Jaguar/Land Rover fortunes improve]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-tata-motors-back-in-the-black-as-jaguar-land-rover-fortu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-tata-motors-back-in-the-black-as-jaguar-land-rover-fortu/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-tata-motors-back-in-the-black-as-jaguar-land-rover-fortu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



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

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

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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>JaguarJaguar XFJaguarXfLand RoverLand Rover LR4LandRoverLandRoverLr4LR4TataTata MotorsTataMotorsXFMon, 30 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/it-begins-first-tuned-tata-nano-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/it-begins-first-tuned-tata-nano-spotted/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/it-begins-first-tuned-tata-nano-spotted/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

DC Designs customized Tata Nano - Click above for image gallery

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

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


Gallery: DC Designs Cars


[Source: CarnationDC.com via Indian Auto Talk]

Continue reading It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted

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

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

Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

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

[Source: Inside Line]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 lahk1 lakh car1Lahk1LakhCarfive speed transmissionFiveSpeedTransmissionnano changesnano pricingNanoChangesNanoPricingratan tataRatanTataTata Motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanoFri, 13 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Ex-Opel chief Carl-Peter Forster may take over at Jaguar-Land Rover]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/report-ex-opel-chief-carl-peter-forster-may-take-over-at-jaguar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/report-ex-opel-chief-carl-peter-forster-may-take-over-at-jaguar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/report-ex-opel-chief-carl-peter-forster-may-take-over-at-jaguar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It appears that outgoing Opel chief Carl-Peter Forster may have already lined up a new gig for himself. According to The Times of London, Forster will become an employee of Tata Motors and take the top job at Jaguar-Land Rover. If this appointment comes through, it will be something of a homecoming for Forster who was born and raised in London. Additionally, Forster also ran production at BMW when it owned the late Rover Group.

Forster left General Motors Europe after publicly disagreeing with the way the company handled the aborted sale of Opel and Vauxhall to Magna International. Forster is not the only one that was not pleased with the results - most news accounts suggest that British and German governments are increasingly unlikely to help GM with its European restructuring. Tata has not publicly commented on the Forster appointment, but it could happen as soon as this week.

[Source: Times of London]

REPORT: Ex-Opel chief Carl-Peter Forster may take over at Jaguar-Land Rover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carl peter forsterCarl-Peter Forstercarl-peter fosterCarl-peterForsterCarl-peterFosterCarlPeterForsterjaguar land roverjaguar land rover ceoJaguarLandRoverJaguarLandRoverCeoTata MotorsTata Motors JaguarTata Motors Land RoverTata Motors LtdTata Mtrs Ltd TTMTataMotorsTataMotorsJaguarTataMotorsLandRoverTataMotorsLtdTataMtrsLtdTtmMon, 09 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tata may let other automakers build Nano]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/report-tata-may-let-other-automakers-build-nano/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/report-tata-may-let-other-automakers-build-nano/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/report-tata-may-let-other-automakers-build-nano/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tata Nano has been in production since July, and during that time, Tata Motors has reportedly sold over 7,500 copies of its $2,500 car. The Indian automaker has plenty of potential customers for its inexpensive little econo-gem, but production capacity is another matter altogether. Tata is producing the Nano with existing plant floor capacity until its new, 250,000-unit/year factory comes online at the end of March 2010.

But Tata is thinking of ways to get more Nanos to market - and it's not just limiting its options to models emblazoned with a circle T emblem. Reuters reports that Tata is considering licensing the Nano to other automakers, with or without Tata badging. Tata Vice Chairman Ravi Kant reportedly mentioned at an awards function that the company would allow micro-assembly sites to build their own Nano within India, adding, "We call it Nano, they don't have to."

Tata hasn't announced whether it actually has any partners for its vehicle sharing proposition, but if demand for the inexpensive car continues to hold strong, we suspect there will be some takers. This plan makes perfect sense for Tata because the automaker should be able to amortize some of the car's development costs by sharing its design with others. And when you're dealing with a $2,500 MSRP, every penny counts.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Reuters]

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

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


Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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

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

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


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: The Times of India]

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

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


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

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

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


Gallery: Review: 2009 Land Rover LR2 HSE


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

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>land roverland rover lr2LandieLandRoverLandRoverLr2LRlr2 hseLr2HseLRXseven seat land roverSevenSeatLandRoverTataTata MotorsTataMotorsthird row seatThirdRowSeatMon, 05 Oct 2009 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Secondhand Tata Nano models commanding 30% markup as India's elite grabs on to new trend]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/report-secondhand-tata-nano-models-being-sold-at-up-to-30-mark/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/report-secondhand-tata-nano-models-being-sold-at-up-to-30-mark/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/report-secondhand-tata-nano-models-being-sold-at-up-to-30-mark/#commentsFiled under: ,


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

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

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


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Drive]

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>indiaindian autosindian carindian carsIndianAutosIndianCarIndianCarsnanonano salesNanoSalesratan tataRatanTatatatatata motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanoWed, 23 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Jaguar/Land Rover reportedly chalks up $1.1B loss]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/jaguar-land-rover-reportedly-chalks-up-1-1b-loss/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/jaguar-land-rover-reportedly-chalks-up-1-1b-loss/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/jaguar-land-rover-reportedly-chalks-up-1-1b-loss/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

The steep downturn of the world's luxury automotive markets has taken a toll on Jaguar/Land Rover, and the company's bottom line has taken a huge hit as a result. Automotive News is citing a Financial Times report that says Tata Motors' British luxury marques lost 673.4 million pounds ($1.11 billion U.S.) in 2008. That's a $2 billion swing from the 641.5 million pound ($1.05 billion) profit the British brands earned in 2007. Tata Motors said last month that Jaguar/Land Rover lost 306 million pounds ($504 million) for for the fiscal year ending March 2009.

The Financial Times report comes as Tata Motors is working out a deal with the British government to provide short-term financing for the cash-strapped automaker. The report that says the U.K. government is willing to provide a 175 million pound ($288 million) commercial bridge loan to keep operations running. The reports says Tata Motors would like a 12-month loan, while the British government would like a six-month term, along with representation on the board.


Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ


[Source: Automotive News]

Jaguar/Land Rover reportedly chalks up $1.1B loss originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 profits2008Profitsjaguarland roverLandRoverprofitstata motorsTataMotorsMon, 27 Jul 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: First Tata Nano delivered to customer in Mumbai [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/report-first-tata-nano-delivered-to-customer-in-mumbai-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/report-first-tata-nano-delivered-to-customer-in-mumbai-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/17/report-first-tata-nano-delivered-to-customer-in-mumbai-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Tato Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

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

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


Gallery: Tata Nano launch close-ups


[Source: Tata Motors]

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


Gallery: Tata Nano European crash test


[Source: Automotive Engineer via TataForum.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Tata Nano gets its crash on

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nano crashnano crash testingNanoCrashNanoCrashTestingtatatata motorstata nanotata nano crashtata nano crash testtata nano crash testingtata nano european crash testingTataMotorsTataNanoTataNanoCrashTataNanoCrashTestTataNanoCrashTestingTataNanoEuropeanCrashTestingWed, 15 Jul 2009 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Jaguar XJ: We get hands-on with Coventry's new big cat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/2010-jaguar-xj-we-get-hands-on-with-coventrys-new-big-cat/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/2010-jaguar-xj-we-get-hands-on-with-coventrys-new-big-cat/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/2010-jaguar-xj-we-get-hands-on-with-coventrys-new-big-cat/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Jaguar XJ - Click above for high-res image gallery

For a long time, worrying about Jaguar was the only sensible thing to do. While it was never exactly clear if the marque had (ever) achieved profitability, we enthusiasts were only too happy to give them the benefit of the doubt. After all, the English automaker serially gifted us with watershed designs. Sublime mechanical creatures like the E- and D-Type sports cars, as well as the curvacious Mark II and original XJ. How could we not be totally and utterly smitten? Yet somehow, the once proud automaker eventually found itself adrift in mediocrity, turning out maligned and slow-selling products with an unpleasant odor of unreliability as the money began to run dry. When the then Ford-owned brand launched headlong into its "democratization of luxury" strategy that resulted in the lamentable 2001 X-Type and serious talk of an SUV, well, we couldn't help but grow gravely concerned.

After all, how could a company like Jaguar - a firm that prided itself not only on voluptuous design and sporty handling but also sybaritic appointments and a refined, aristocratic manor speak with a straight face about "the democratization of luxury?"
Not only does the XJ appear to be the measure of its German competitors, it may play a strong foil for the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera.
The very concept was oxymoronic to the point of absurdity: when a given commodity is within easy reach of the masses, it ceases to be a luxury good. Simple as that. Predictably, it didn't take long for consumers to cotton on to this revelation, and the savior X-Type was broadly lambasted and narrowly purchased.

Thankfully, the lanky Leaping Cat is at last in proud form once again, and under the new leadership of India's Tata Motors, they are building on the success of the massively impressive Jaguar XF of 2008. By our reckoning, that car was the first clear indication from chief designer Ian Callum and Company that not only did Jaguar understand that it had a past - it might have the blueprint for a bright future as well. As it reasserts its claim to the flagship slot in Coventry's lineup, the new XJ finds itself with big shoes to fill. Is it up to the task? Follow the jump to learn more.


Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XJ

Continue reading 2010 Jaguar XJ: We get hands-on with Coventry's new big cat

2010 Jaguar XJ: We get hands-on with Coventry's new big cat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Jaguar XJ2010 XJ2010JaguarXj2010XjAudi A8AudiA8BMW 7 SeriesBmw7SeriesfeaturedIan CallumIanCallumJagJag XJJaguarJaguar XJJaguar XJLJaguarXjJaguarXjlJagXjLeaping CatLeapingCatMaserati QuattroporteMaseratiQuattroportePorsche PanameraPorschePanameraTata MotorsTataMotorsXFXF RXFRXJXJ6XJ8XJLThu, 09 Jul 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Tata considers more Jaguar/Land Rover cuts after massive loss]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/tata-considers-more-jaguar-land-rover-cuts-after-massive-loss/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/tata-considers-more-jaguar-land-rover-cuts-after-massive-loss/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/tata-considers-more-jaguar-land-rover-cuts-after-massive-loss/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2010 Land Rover LR4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

India's Tata Motors has reported a net loss of $520 million (25.05 billion rupees) for the fiscal year ending in March of 2009. Over the same period one year earlier, Tata managed to earn 21.68 billion rupees in profit. What gives? Naturally, the global economic meltdown didn't do the automaker any favors, but the main problem can be sourced back to the poor performance of Jaguar and Land Rover, which the Indian automaker purchased from Ford last year with the help of a $3 billion bridge loan.

The fact that Jaguar Land Rover accounted for $504 million of that $520 million total loss means that more job cuts and plant shutdowns are in store for the ailing British duo. Says Tata Vice Chairman Ravi Kant:
We have sent people on sabbatical, gone for cheaper low-cost country sourcing and tight control in cash flows, and are assisting JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) for a major belt tightening.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Tata was in search of some £1 billion ($1.5B) in cash and underwriting help to pump into the JLR operations.


Gallery: 2010 Land Rover Discovery 4


[Source: Reuters]

Tata considers more Jaguar/Land Rover cuts after massive loss originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jaguarjaguar land roverJaguarLandRoverland roverLandRovertatatata losstata motorsTataLossTataMotorsFri, 26 Jun 2009 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tata selects first 100,000 Nano buyers from lotto]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/report-tata-selects-first-100-000-nano-buyers-from-lotto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/report-tata-selects-first-100-000-nano-buyers-from-lotto/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/24/report-tata-selects-first-100-000-nano-buyers-from-lotto/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 lakh1 lakh car1Lakh1LakhCar2500 car2500CarindiaIndia carIndia carsIndiaCarIndiaCarsIndian carsIndianCarslotteryNanoTata Motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanoWed, 24 Jun 2009 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Could Tata Nano be sold in U.S. Fiat-Chrysler dealers?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/could-tata-nano-be-sold-in-u-s-fiat-chrysler-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/could-tata-nano-be-sold-in-u-s-fiat-chrysler-dealers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/could-tata-nano-be-sold-in-u-s-fiat-chrysler-dealers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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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Tata Nano - click above for a high-res gallery

The Nano is off to a smashing start, with Tata reportedly claiming it has already received 500,000 application forms since the car went on sale April 9. Tata Motors sent out order forms to 30,000 locations throughout India, and charged 300 rupees ($6.00 in US funds) to anyone that filled out the form. Tata Motors has generated the equivalent of $3 million so far, and interested parties have until April 25 to order their own Nano. The company is expecting between 750,000 and one million orders by the deadline, giving the Indian automaker up to $6 million in income without making a single vehicle. The State Bank of India, which has about 25% of the total orders to date, will finance the Nano for up to seven years at interest rate of 10%.

One million pre-order applications is a mighty impressive sum for the $2,500 micro car, and it's a number that Tata Motors doesn't even intend to hit in the Nano's initial batch. Tata will fill 100,000 orders in the first tranche, and it intends to hold a raffle to see which of the orders will get fulfilled. Tata Motors will begin delivering the Nano this July.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Business-Standard via Indian Autos Blog]

REPORT: Tata Motors says it has 500,000 Nano application forms originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>000 pre-sales000Pre-sales500nanonano salesNanoSalespre salesPreSalesstate bank of indiaStateBankOfIndiatata motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanoMon, 20 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tata says it sells over 51,000 Nano "booking forms" in five days]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/tata-says-it-sells-over-51-000-nano-booking-forms-in-five-days/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/tata-says-it-sells-over-51-000-nano-booking-forms-in-five-days/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/07/tata-says-it-sells-over-51-000-nano-booking-forms-in-five-days/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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

Tata knew pent-up demand for its super-cheap Nano would be so high in advance of its official delivery date that the Indian automaker set up an unique pre-ordering system allowing potential customers to sign up with booking forms. After all these forms have been collected, a computer will randomly choose the first 100,000 people to take possession in July.

That process began just five days ago on April 1st, and Tata has already sold over 51,000 booking forms to its dealer network and individual customers, with another 30,000 or so being taken from a number of Tata partners. Each order form is being sold for 300 Rupees, which is about $6.00 in U.S. funds. Prices for individual Nanos are reportedly ranging from between 95,000 and 145,000 Rupees ($1,880 to $2,780), which officially makes this the World's Cheapest Car.

One thing seems sure: Tata is going to sell a ton of these cars. Whether or not that's a good thing depends on your particular viewpoint. It's almost a certainty that people will be safer in the four-wheeled enclosed Nano than on the little scooters and cycles they are currently riding, but a number of environmental groups have voiced concerns over the impact this many new cars will have on their surroundings. Regardless of how this ultimately plays out, this is only the beginning.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Economic Times]

Tata says it sells over 51,000 Nano "booking forms" in five days originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above to watch video after the jump

Now that Tata's tiny little Nano is officially on sale, a number of media outlets around the world have found themselves behind the wheel, pouring over the positives and negatives associated with driving such an inexpensive vehicle. Interestingly, most of the reviews we've seen have been highly favorable. As it turns out, the World's Cheapest Car is just that - a real car. And it's a surprisingly decent one at that according to a motoring journalist from Autocar India who captured his initial thoughts on video.

We got a good chuckle from the reviewer's assertion that if the Germans had built the Nano, they would have added too much stuff to it and made their version just as expensive as the MINI, while if the Americans were behind the Nano, we would've priced it right below the competition and took away its striking price point. Is that funny because it reinforces stereotypes or because it's true? Click past the break to watch the video in full and decide for yourself.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Autocar via Jalopnik]

Continue reading VIDEO: Autocar reviews Tata Nano, comes away rather impressed

VIDEO: Autocar reviews Tata Nano, comes away rather impressed originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>tatatata motorstata nanotata nano drivetata nano reviewtata nano testTataMotorsTataNanoTataNanoDriveTataNanoReviewTataNanoTestWed, 25 Mar 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Tata pondering Nano launch for U.S. market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/24/report-tata-studying-nano-launch-for-u-s-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/24/report-tata-studying-nano-launch-for-u-s-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/24/report-tata-studying-nano-launch-for-u-s-market/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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

Could an extremely inexpensive, minuscule little car like the Tata Nano actually sell in America, a land historically enamored with powerful V8 engines surrounded by as much sheetmetal as possible? According to the Financial Times, Tata Motors may be about to find out, as the Indian automaker is said to be looking at an introduction into the U.S. market by 2011 or 2012.

What makes Ratan Tata, chairman of the automaker that bears his name, think that his diminutive rear-engined machine might sell in the United States? The economy, of course. Americans may be willing to accept some of the sacrifices that would go hand-in-hand with owning the World's Cheapest Car, though the version likely to sell in the States would surely differ in major ways from what is now on sale in India.

If the Tata Nano were to hit the U.S. market, it would need to pass the same safety and emissions regulations as any other car currently sold in America. Those are not insurmountable tasks, however, as proven by the version of the Nano that's planned for European markets.

So far, there is no indication of how much a Tata Nano would cost in U.S. dollars if it were sold here.


Gallery: Tata Nano: The People's Car


[Source: Financial Times]

REPORT: Tata pondering Nano launch for U.S. market originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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