Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Quick Spin: 2011 Tata Nano CX - Driving the world's cheapest car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/23/2011-tata-nano-cx-quick-spin-road-test-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/23/2011-tata-nano-cx-quick-spin-road-test-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/23/2011-tata-nano-cx-quick-spin-road-test-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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

People love the idea of super-cheap transportation. Two generations ago, Volkswagen captured the world's attention with the Beetle (known originally as "The People's Car"), but when people finally drove the rear-engined VW, they realized it was more than just a cheap car - it was remarkably fun to drive.

India's Tata Motors picked up on the people's car idea several years ago. Motorbikes and pedal bikes are the go-to transportation options for millions in India, which presented an opportunity. But with the average price of a new car in the U.S. hovering around $30,000, an inconceivable sum in the developing world, Tata would have to do something very different. The tiny Nano was the result. It's currently on sale in India starting at around $2,500. That sound you hear is over a billion people cheering because they can now envision themselves owning transportation with a roof that they don't have to pedal.

The pint-sized sedan wowed crowds at its New Delhi introduction in 2008 and Tata began exporting the Nano throughout the developing world. Speculation swirled that the company would eventually target the U.S. after the car was put on display at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, but do we really want it here?


Gallery: 2011 Tata Nano CX: Quick Spin


Text and photos by Rex Roy / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2011 Tata Nano CX - Driving the world's cheapest car

Quick Spin: 2011 Tata Nano CX - Driving the world's cheapest car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurednanoquick spinQuickSpintatatata nanotata nano first drivetata nano reviewtata nano road testTataNanoTataNanoFirstDriveTataNanoReviewTataNanoRoadTestFri, 23 Jul 2010 11:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19565339/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/23/2011-tata-nano-cx-quick-spin-road-test-review/19565339/article-detail.xml 19565339 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/lead1tatanano2011qs-1279869138_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/lead1tatanano2011qs-1279869138.jpg <![CDATA[Report: GM and SAIC gearing up to take on Tata Nano]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/29/report-gm-and-saic-gearing-up-to-take-on-tata-nano/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/29/report-gm-and-saic-gearing-up-to-take-on-tata-nano/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/29/report-gm-and-saic-gearing-up-to-take-on-tata-nano/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Sail

General Motors has saddled up with Chinese automaker SAIC in an attempt to bring a Nano-fighting value car to the Indian market. GM says that it will rely on SAIC mostly for its low cost manufacturing techniques instead of parts or components due to hefty tariffs on goods imported from China. That also means The General may also be able to skip out on some of the quality woes associated with the Chinese automotive universe by relying on the pool of parts already available in India.

The car is supposed to be smaller than the current Spark and hit the market at around $5,000. That's on the north end of how much Tata asks for the Nano, but GM still feels it can compete against the world's most affordable car. According to Gasgoo, the pint-sized econobox may actually borrow elements from the Chevrolet Sail. Evidently, the car has already spent its fair share of time under the baleful glare of Indian focus groups.

If it does take off, the GM/SAIC creation will be India's very first joint-venture vehicle.

[Source: Gasgoo]

Report: GM and SAIC gearing up to take on Tata Nano originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChevroletChevrolet SailChevroletSailGMGM SAICGmSaicIndiaNanoSAICSailTataTata NanoTataNanoTue, 29 Jun 2010 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19533658/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/29/report-gm-and-saic-gearing-up-to-take-on-tata-nano/19533658/article-detail.xml 19533658 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/chevrolet-sail-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/chevrolet-sail-630.jpg <![CDATA[Tata Nano gets ill-advised haircut at the factory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/14/tata-nano-gets-ill-advised-haircut/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/14/tata-nano-gets-ill-advised-haircut/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/14/tata-nano-gets-ill-advised-haircut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



There are certain vehicles that were born to be convertible. The Tata Nano is not among them. The plucky, inexpensive little transporter is somewhat lovable in hardtop guise with its round overall shape and ladybug proportions. The cheapest of cheap cars is just too cute to hate, but make the mistake of pulling back the top sheetmetal, and you've got a sight that can't be unseen. A photo of a drophead Nano has hit the web courtesy of Wheelosphere - a site dedicated to India's blooming automotive world.

Fortunately, for the moment at least, the world won't have to deal with these things in the wild. The cars are apparently kept to the grounds of Tata's Sanand plant and used to ferry visitors from one portion of the complex to the other. That's just as well, really, because the car's semi-monocoque construction probably doesn't take too well to having its roof cut off, and we suspect that structural rigidity is now something of an open question (*rimshot*). If you can peel your eyes away from the missing roof long enough to check out the rest of the Nano Cabriolet, you'll likely spot some sporty step bars and classy side graphics, too. Excellent.

[Source: Wheelosphere]

Tata Nano gets ill-advised haircut at the factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NanoNano ConvertibleNanoConvertibletatatata motorsTata Nanotata nano cabrioletTata Nano ConvertibleTataMotorsTataNanoTataNanoCabrioletTataNanoConvertibleworlds cheapest carWorldsCheapestCarMon, 14 Jun 2010 17:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19515543/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/14/tata-nano-gets-ill-advised-haircut/19515543/article-detail.xml 19515543 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/nano-convertible-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/nano-convertible-630.jpg <![CDATA[It's Not Easy Designing Dirt Cheap Cars - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Some of the most famous cars in the history of the auto industry were some of the cheapest ones. The Ford Model T, the Volkswagen Beetle, the Citroen 2CV and the BMC Mini were so successful mainly because they were so affordable.

Now the industry is trying to replicate that success by designing low cost cars for booming developing markets, like India. But they're discovering that building cheap cars is not nearly as easy as it sounds. And it all has to do with customer expectations.

In the past it was easy to build a cheap car for developing markets. All you had to do was take the tooling for an entry-level car that was being phased out of the market in a modern country and ship it to some backwater in the third world. Since the car was already developed and the tooling was already paid for, an automaker could build it cheaply with local labor. That's how it was done for the better part of the 20th Century.

But then came the internet. All of a sudden, car buyers in developing nations became fully aware of the outdated designs being foisted upon them. They could easily Google up the latest American, European and Japanese models, pore through the technical specifications, download the photographs and watch videos of them all in action. With their rising standards of living, they were no longer content to buy the clunky cars available in their home markets. They wanted what we have.


John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.

Continue reading It's Not Easy Designing Dirt Cheap Cars - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

It's Not Easy Designing Dirt Cheap Cars - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AutolineDetroitAutolineOnAutoblogcontinentaljohn mcelroyJohnMcelroynanotatatata nanoTataNanoFri, 04 Jun 2010 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19503796/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/04/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/19503796/article-detail.xml 19503796 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/john-media-photo-3-opta-1272305081_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/john-media-photo-3-opta-1272305081.jpg <![CDATA[Tata completes Nano fire probe, says car is safe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/tata-completes-nano-fire-probe-says-car-is-safe/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/tata-completes-nano-fire-probe-says-car-is-safe/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/tata-completes-nano-fire-probe-says-car-is-safe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Earlier this year, there were reports of at least three Tata Nano runabouts channeling The Trammps and going up in Disco(unt) Infernos. Of the three Nanos that got the charbroil treatment, two of them were apparently due to a faulty switch. The third couldn't be explained, so Tata put together a team of 20 employees supplemented by a forensics expert to figure out what was going on.

Without explaining what happened, the team has reportedly "found no manufacturing defects," and according to PTI News, they say that the third incident is unrelated. Furthermore, all Nanos "absolutely safe." As you were, then. Still, in case current Nano owners want to be even more than absolutely safe, Tata will preemptively check any vehicle already in service.

[Source: PTI News]

Tata completes Nano fire probe, says car is safe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nanonano firenano firesNanoFireNanoFirestata firetata firestata motorstata nanotata nano fireTataFireTataFiresTataMotorsTataNanoTataNanoFireworlds cheapest carWorldsCheapestCarMon, 24 May 2010 11:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19487565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/24/tata-completes-nano-fire-probe-says-car-is-safe/19487565/article-detail.xml 19487565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/nanofireinvest_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/nanofireinvest.jpg <![CDATA[Geely to build car cheaper than Tata Nano?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/23/geely-committe-to-build-car-cheaper-than-tata-nano/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/23/geely-committe-to-build-car-cheaper-than-tata-nano/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/23/geely-committe-to-build-car-cheaper-than-tata-nano/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Geely IG Fantastic Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tata Motors has milked the Nano minicar's "most affordable" status for a ton of press, but it might soon hand the title belt over to a new challenger. According to a report at TopNews.in, Geely's reportedly got its own ultra-frugal compact in the works for 2010. Called the IG, it's expected to bring a $2,250 price tag and a 1.0-liter, 70 horsepower motor to the party.

We have no idea what to expect from a new car that's priced like a lawn tractor, but word is that Geely aims to surpass the Nano from a quality standpoint. We already have a good idea of what the IG might look like if/when the Chinese microcar hits crowded city streets in a couple years, since Geely showed off the IG Fantastic concept car at last year's Shanghai Motor Show.

While we're certain the concept's gullwing doors will never see life outside an exhibition hall, we're thinking that a cute little runabout could fare quite nicely with a $2,250 price tag. We'll likely never see the IG here in the States, but the folks in China and India will probably love it.

[Source: TopNews]

Geely to build car cheaper than Tata Nano? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 May 2010 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250geelygeely igGeelyIgig 2Ig2low cost car iglow cost car nanoLowCostCarIgLowCostCarNanotata nanoTataNanoSun, 23 May 2010 11:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19487069/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/23/geely-committe-to-build-car-cheaper-than-tata-nano/19487069/article-detail.xml 19487069 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/geely_ig_fant_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/geely_ig_fant.jpg <![CDATA[Ta ta, Tata: Tata Motors car head reportedly resigns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/ta-ta-tata-tata-motors-car-head-reportedly-resigns/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/ta-ta-tata-tata-motors-car-head-reportedly-resigns/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/ta-ta-tata-tata-motors-car-head-reportedly-resigns/#commentsFiled under:

Rajiv Dube, the mind behind Tata Motors' move into the passenger car world, has decided to part ways with the company after 27 years. Dube joined Tata way back in 1983, and neither he nor the company are saying exactly why the long-standing exec decided to move on. Our guess is that after 20 years, retirement was sounding plenty tasty. Cars like the Nano and Indica hatchback can all pledge their allegiance to Dube's market-minded approach to the automobile.

According to Automotive News, Dube's position will be filled internally. S. Krishnan will now helm the premier car division while Girish Wagh will take on both small-car and passenger-car operations.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Ta ta, Tata: Tata Motors car head reportedly resigns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DubeRajiv DubeRajivDubeRajiveTataTata IndicaTata MotorsTata NanoTataIndicaTataMotorsTataNanoWed, 19 May 2010 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19482351/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/19/ta-ta-tata-tata-motors-car-head-reportedly-resigns/19482351/article-detail.xml 19482351 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/tata-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/tata-250.jpg <![CDATA[Geely to challenge Tata, Renault with low-cost car?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/07/geely-to-challenge-tata-renault-with-low-cost-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/07/geely-to-challenge-tata-renault-with-low-cost-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/07/geely-to-challenge-tata-renault-with-low-cost-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Geely IG Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Word on the web would have us believe that Geely has its eyes set on snatching the least-expensive car crown from Tata. The Chinese automaker has announced that it will bring its IG concept to market, and that it will cost a mere $2,250 at current conversion rates. If that's not enough to raise your eyebrows, the company says that its pint-size econobox will be a higher-quality alternative to what's currently rolling out of India. Granted, that's not exactly an atmospheric quality goal, but at this price point, every little bit helps.

Expect to see a 70 horsepower, 1.0-liter engine to put power to the front wheels via a CVT gearbox when the car hits markets in China and Russia. The company hasn't made mention of any fuel economy numbers just yet, but we have to imagine the IG can hold its own in that department.

Autocar reports that the company plans to have the IG in showrooms by 2012, and that there's some chance that an all-electric version will crop up in both Europe and the U.S. not long after. The company is already planning to swap the gasoline engine for an electric motor with 80 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. There's no word on what we can expect in terms of top speed, but the company says the concept is capable of cruising for 93 miles on a single charge.


Gallery: Shanghai 2009: Geely IG Fantastic Concept


[Source: Autocar]

Geely to challenge Tata, Renault with low-cost car? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GeelyGeely IG ConceptGeely IG Electric VehicleGeely IG EVGeelyIgConceptGeelyIgElectricVehicleGeelyIgEvIGIG ConceptIG EVIgConceptIgEvNanoTataTata NanoTataNanoFri, 07 May 2010 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19467361/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/07/geely-to-challenge-tata-renault-with-low-cost-car/19467361/article-detail.xml 19467361 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/geely-ig-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/geely-ig-630.jpg <![CDATA[Onstar, Nano and Enertia win 2010 Edison awards [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/05/onstar-nano-and-enertia-win-2010-edison-awards/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/05/onstar-nano-and-enertia-win-2010-edison-awards/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/05/onstar-nano-and-enertia-win-2010-edison-awards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



The 2010 Edison awards were announced last week and General Motors, Tata and Brammo were all winners for transportation related innovations. GM received a silver Edison award for one of the most useful new features added to its Onstar telematics system last year: the stolen vehicle slowdown that allows the Onstar operators to remotely cut the engine power of a vehicle that has been reported stolen avoiding high speed chases.

Brammo also won a silver prize for its Enertia electric motorcycle. The Enertia has a range of 40 miles on a charge and is available through selected Best Buy stores on the West Coast as well as from Brammo.

Tata Motors won a gold prize for the development of the low-cost Nano, which was developed to be sold at prices starting at $2,500 in India. Tata is now working to adapt the Nano for sale in markets around the world. There's are videos about the Enertia and Onstar after the jump, along with a press release from GM.

[Source: General Motors, Edison Awards]

Continue reading Onstar, Nano and Enertia win 2010 Edison awards [w/video]

Onstar, Nano and Enertia win 2010 Edison awards [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 May 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrammoBrammo Enertiabrammo-enertiaBrammoBestBuyBrammoEnertiaedison awardEdisonAwardgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsOnStaronstar stolen vehicle slowdownOnstarShutdownOnstarStolenVehicleSlowdownstolen vehicleStolen Vehicle Slowdownstolen vehiclesStolenVehicleStolenVehiclesStolenVehicleSlowdowntataTata Motorstata nanotata-motorstata-nanoTataMotorsTataNanoWed, 05 May 2010 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19462175/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/05/onstar-nano-and-enertia-win-2010-edison-awards/19462175/article-detail.xml 19462175 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/onstarsvs05_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/onstarsvs05.jpg <![CDATA[Renault planning $2,500 Nano fighter for Indian market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/04/renault-planning-2-500-nano-fighter-for-indian-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/04/renault-planning-2-500-nano-fighter-for-indian-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/04/renault-planning-2-500-nano-fighter-for-indian-market/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

Apparently inspired by the popularity of the Tato Nano in India, Renault and Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn wants a piece of the low budget pie. The Nano, of course, grabbed the world's attention when it came out with a base price tag of just $2,500. Speaking last Friday at the Renault annual meeting, Ghosn announced Renault's intention to work with Nissan and the Bajaj Group to produce its own $2,500 car.

It's unlikely that the cheap Renault will be exported to Europe or North America, although it could go to other emerging markets. What is likely is that Renault will produce a battery powered version at a significantly higher price.


Gallery: Detroit 2010: Tata Nano


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault planning $2,500 Nano fighter for Indian market

Renault planning $2,500 Nano fighter for Indian market originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 May 2010 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bajaj groupBajajGroupCarlos GhosnCarlosGhosncheap car for indiacheap renault for indiaCheapCarForIndiaCheapRenaultForIndiaindiarenaultrenault nanoRenaultNanotatatata nanotata-nanoTataNanoTue, 04 May 2010 09:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19463330/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/04/renault-planning-2-500-nano-fighter-for-indian-market/19463330/article-detail.xml 19463330 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/tata-nano-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/tata-nano-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Hyundai's Tata Nano competitor cometh]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/26/rendered-speculation-hyundais-tata-nano-competitor-cometh/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/26/rendered-speculation-hyundais-tata-nano-competitor-cometh/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/26/rendered-speculation-hyundais-tata-nano-competitor-cometh/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hyundai's Tata Nano Competitor, Rendered - Click above for high-res image gallery

While the Tata Nano isn't sold here in the U.S., the $2,500 uber-economy car, along with its acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover, has put Tata Motors on the international map. The reason for the Nano's celebrity has everything to do with its ridiculously cheap price tag, which gives many buyers in India a four-wheeled vehicle they can actually afford. But the Nano also gives the competition a low-ball target to shoot for, and rumor has it that Hyundai has the little Tata in its crosshairs.

Indian Autos Blog quotes unnamed sources within Hyundai's India operations saying that the Korean automaker is working on a Nano-sized microcar that could carry a two lakh rupees ($4,400 in U.S. dollars) price tag. The report goes on to say that the low-cost, sub-i10 ride, reportedly called the H800 project, is powered by an 800cc petrol engine and priced to compete withe the SAIC microcar, the Suzuki Alto and the Nano. Further, the site claims that Hyundai will have a working prototype ready for real-world testing by the middle of 2010.

Since Hyundai hasn't officially announced the existence of the H800, we don't know how realistic looking IAB's rendering really is. But we can tell you that the ice-blue rendering is a whole lot more attractive to our eyes than just about anything else in the sub-$5,000 price range.


Gallery: Hyundai Tata Nano Competitor


[Source: Indian Autos Blog]

Rendered Speculation: Hyundai's Tata Nano competitor cometh originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundai h800hyundai microcarhyundai tataHyundaiH800HyundaiMicrocarHyundaiTatatata competitor hyundaitata nanoTataCompetitorHyundaiTataNanoFri, 26 Mar 2010 18:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19415083/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/26/rendered-speculation-hyundais-tata-nano-competitor-cometh/19415083/article-detail.xml 19415083 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/2010hyundaismallcargb1-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/2010hyundaismallcargb1-630op.jpg <![CDATA[GM unveils three futuristic, urban EN-V concepts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/24/gm-en-v-concept-futuristic-urban-transportation/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/24/gm-en-v-concept-futuristic-urban-transportation/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/24/gm-en-v-concept-futuristic-urban-transportation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


GM EN-V concepts - Click above for high-res image gallery

Today General Motors unveiled a trio of EN-V concepts that showcase the automaker's idea for a new global, urban mobility vehicle. Developed in conjunction with its partner in China, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., the EN-V concepts build on last year's P.U.M.A. project that was developed with help from the balancing-on-two-wheels experts at Segway. Each of the three EN-Vs, which stands for Electric Networked-Vehicle, sports a different design. Why three? The various shapes demonstrate the flexibility of the electric drivetrain and are supposed to express three different characteristics: Jiao (Pride), Miao (Magic) and Xiao (Laugh). Jiao (the bubbly blue one) was designed in Austrlia by Holden, Miao (the blocky black one) was designed at GM's studio in California and Xiao (the streaky red one) was designed in Europe.

The EN-V concepts are GM's solution for the congested urban centers in which we're all likely to live by 2030. Their all-electric, two-wheel drivetrains take care of the emissions problem. They're also fitted with the latest GPS, vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity and an array of sensors and cameras that allow fully autonomous driving. The effect of all this tech is less congestion on city roads and the virtual elimination of accidents. Zero emissions, zero traffic jams and zero accidents - the future's looking bright!

Lithium ion batteries will take each EN-V up to 40 kilometers on a charge, which isn't that hard considering they only weigh 1,100 pounds. And since they're each less than five feet long, up to five times more of them can fit in a parking lot than your average car of today. Do they look as fun to drive as a Porsche Cayman? No, but driving a Porsche Cayman in a congested city center isn't all that much fun anyway. If we all end up living on top of each other, these little electric runabouts might be the best way to go.

The EN-Vs will be on display at the SAIC-GM Pavilion at the World Expo in Shanghai beginning in May. Feel free to follow the jump for GM's official press release that talks more about what our crowded future will look like and how the EN-V will help.


Gallery: GM EN-V concepts


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM unveils three futuristic, urban EN-V concepts

GM unveils three futuristic, urban EN-V concepts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetbudget carsBudgetCarscheapcheap carcheap carsCheapCarCheapCarseconomy carEconomyCaren-ven-v conceptEn-vConceptgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm en-vGmEn-vnanotataTata MotorsTataMotorsTataNanoWed, 24 Mar 2010 10:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19412442/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/24/gm-en-v-concept-futuristic-urban-transportation/19412442/article-detail.xml 19412442 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/envconceptsgm_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/envconceptsgm.jpg <![CDATA[Tata orders probe into Nano fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/23/tata-orders-probe-into-nano-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/23/tata-orders-probe-into-nano-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/23/tata-orders-probe-into-nano-fire/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Yesterday, we shared a scary bit of news about a Tata Nano going up in flames only minutes after it was delivered to a customer. This isn't the first incident involving a Nano catching fire - in fact, the folks at Indian Autos Blog report that three other Nanos have suffered similar issues, all while the cars were parked.

Tata Motors says that the first three incidents were the result of a faulty switch placed near the steering wheel, but that those problems have been fixed, and all cars on the road have been checked to ensure that they will not encounter this problem. Thus, the automaker will be launching an investigation into why this most recent Nano caught fire.

A spokesperson for Tata Motors says, "This is a unique case. We are trying to figure out what went wrong." Depending on the outcome of this investigation, Tata may issue one more round of quality checks to make sure this incident does not happen again.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Indian Autos Blog]

Tata orders probe into Nano fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nanotataTata Motorstata nanotata nano fireTataMotorsTataNanoTataNanoFireTue, 23 Mar 2010 19:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19411240/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/23/tata-orders-probe-into-nano-fire/19411240/article-detail.xml 19411240 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/tatananoflamesmumbaifire-630op-1269366236_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/tatananoflamesmumbaifire-630op-1269366236.jpg <![CDATA[Tata Nano becomes CarBQ in Mumbai]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/tata-nano-turns-into-carbq-in-mumbai/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/tata-nano-turns-into-carbq-in-mumbai/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/22/tata-nano-turns-into-carbq-in-mumbai/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Car fires are nothing new, but when it happens to the world's cheapest car on its way to its new home, the Tata Nano tends to lose its allure.

According to our friends at IndianAutosBlog, Satish Sawant, a Mumbai-based (irony alert) insurance agent, took delivery of his $2,500 hatchback, and while being chauffeured back to his house (Sawant doesn't have a license yet), a motorcyclist overtook him and pointed to the rear of his new baby. At which point, the driving duo noticed flames coming from the rear. Says Sawant, "I have no idea what happened... The engine was behind me and I did not realize the car was on fire."

This is apparently the second incident of a Nano catching fire, which, along with a recent spate of electrical issues, has some questioning the quality of the budget runabout. Naturally, today's lesson is: You get what you pay for.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: IndianAutosBlog]

Tata Nano becomes CarBQ in Mumbai originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firenanotatatata nanotata nano fireTataNanoTataNanoFireMon, 22 Mar 2010 19:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19409627/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/22/tata-nano-turns-into-carbq-in-mumbai/19409627/article-detail.xml 19409627 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/tatananoflamesmumbaifire-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/tatananoflamesmumbaifire-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Geneva 2010: Tata debuts Nano EV concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-tata-debuts-nano-ev-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-tata-debuts-nano-ev-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-tata-debuts-nano-ev-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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

Tata Motors just debuted an electrified version of its Nano today at the Geneva Motor Show, promising no compromises in the way it drives compared to the regular 600cc Nano. The Tata Nano Electric Vehicle (EV) will be built on the existing Nano platform and still seats four adults, but adds "super polymer lithium ion batteries" to the mix. No word on power, but Tata does promise a range of 160 kilometers (99 miles) and acceleration of 0-60 kilometers per hour in under 10 seconds. Notice that's 60 km/h, which equates to 37 miles per hour, so the Nano EV isn't going to be one of those instant torque EV drag racers like the Tesla Roadster.

Tata plans to put the Nano EV into production and sell it alongside the company's already launched Indica Vista EV, which goes on sale in Europe later this year. Development has also already begun on the Nano Europa, set to go on sale in Europe in a couple of years, so perhaps the Nano EV could join it in showrooms at launch. No word on pricing yet either, although we're guessing it will be somewhere between the bargain basement price of the regular Nano in India and the DC Designs Nano we showed you a little while ago.

There is a press release after the jump with even more details about the EV as well as Tata's other vehicles on display in Geneva, and also a live gallery from the show floor below.


Gallery: Geneva 2010: Tata Nano EV concept


Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2010: Tata debuts Nano EV concept

Geneva 2010: Tata debuts Nano EV concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric nanoelectric tataelectric tata nanoElectricNanoElectricTataElectricTataNanogenevageneva 2010Geneva Motor ShowGeneva2010GenevaMotorShowNano EVNanoEvTata EVtata nanotata nano evTataEvTataNanoTataNanoEvWed, 03 Mar 2010 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19381098/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/03/geneva-2010-tata-debuts-nano-ev-concept/19381098/article-detail.xml 19381098 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/000-tata-nano-ev-geneva_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/000-tata-nano-ev-geneva.jpg <![CDATA[If you've ever wondered what a Tata Nano looks like in Gulf livery, well... wonder no more]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/15/if-youve-ever-wondered-what-a-tata-nano-looks-like-in-gulf-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/15/if-youve-ever-wondered-what-a-tata-nano-looks-like-in-gulf-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/15/if-youve-ever-wondered-what-a-tata-nano-looks-like-in-gulf-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The CarWale Endurance Run Tata Nano - Click above for image gallery

The Indian car shopping site CarWale.com is driving a Tata Nano in a loop across the length and breadth of India to make a point about the car and the country. Their journey started on February 4 and ends February 19, covering 6,909 kilometers (4,284 miles) of terrain best described as... Indian... and along the way, the crew will explore every aspect of the Nano, including how it came about and what it means for the people who can benefit the most from it.

Naturally, the trip has seen its share of heat, goats, nearly impossible roads, wild motorbikers, jury-rigged repairs, Jeep Wrangler taxis with roof-mounted loudspeakers and miserable GPS instructions. It's a colorful tale all the way, and as if a Nano in iconic Gulf drag weren't enough (love the auxiliary Hella lamps, guys), the pictures alone are worth a visit. And to the two gents at the helm, best of luck to you the rest of the way.


Gallery: CarWale Endurance Run


[Source: CarWale]

If you've ever wondered what a Tata Nano looks like in Gulf livery, well... wonder no more originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carwalecarwale endurance runCarwaleEnduranceRungulfGulf liveryGulfLiveryIndiananoroad tripRoadTriptata motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanoMon, 15 Feb 2010 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19356325/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/15/if-youve-ever-wondered-what-a-tata-nano-looks-like-in-gulf-live/19356325/article-detail.xml 19356325 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/carwale-gulf-nano-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/carwale-gulf-nano-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Tata Nano price could triple for U.S. market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/25/report-tata-nano-price-could-triple-for-u-s-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/25/report-tata-nano-price-could-triple-for-u-s-market/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/25/report-tata-nano-price-could-triple-for-u-s-market/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tata Motors used the timing of the Detroit Auto Show earlier this month to unveil its tiny little Nano here in North America for the first time, and we finally had a chance to see the cheap little runabout in person. At the time, there were some rumblings that the future Americanized Nano might sell for as little as $5,000, but the Detroit News is reporting that a source inside the company is projecting a price tag closer to $8,000 when the car hits the U.S. in the next three years.

Yes, that's more than triple what the Nano costs in its home market of India. Why such a dramatic increase? Says Warren Harris, Tata Technologies president:
The structural changes that would need to be made, the changes that would be required as far as emissions are concerned, and some of the features that would be appropriate to add to the vehicle for the North American market, obviously that would drive up the price point.
If and when the Tata Nano does hit a dealership near you, don't expect to see a twin-cylinder engine measuring just 600cc, either. That powerplant propels the diminutive people-mover to about 65 miles per hour, far too slow for American highways. Instead, we'd count on at least a liter and probably a third cylinder in order to hit something more like 90 mph on the top end. We'll see.


Gallery: Detroit 2010: Tata Nano


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Detroit News]

Report: Tata Nano price could triple for U.S. market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nanotataTata Motorstata nanotata nano north americatata nano pricetata nano ustata nano us priceTataMotorsTataNanoTataNanoNorthAmericaTataNanoPriceTataNanoUsTataNanoUsPriceMon, 25 Jan 2010 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19328310/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/25/report-tata-nano-price-could-triple-for-u-s-market/19328310/article-detail.xml 19328310 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/tata-nano-detroit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/tata-nano-detroit.jpg <![CDATA[Tata Nano makes North American debut in Detroit, but its future here remains uncertain]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/detroit-2010-tata-nano-squeezes-in-a-visit/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/detroit-2010-tata-nano-squeezes-in-a-visit/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/15/detroit-2010-tata-nano-squeezes-in-a-visit/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tata Nano has power windows for the driver and front passenger. Anyone sitting in the rear seats, though, will have to make do with manual controls. Of all the things we learned about the world's cheapest car during its official North American unveiling in downtown Detroit yesterday, the way Tata Motors' engineers split the difference between feature and basic functionality with its windows best exemplifies how this car got to be so inexpensive.

In person, the Nano doesn't exude cheapness. It doesn't look or feel expensive, to be sure, but there is a bit of heft to the doors and the Nano gives off a vibe that this it is, in fact, a real car - if a truly small and simple one. While the Nano on display at the Detroit Science Center was static, Tata did let us sit inside, and as it turns out, the interior is surprisingly roomy - bubble roofs do a lot to reduce claustrophobia. The Nano isn't a car we'd want to go cross-country in, but to move four people around a city, it could work quite well. Especially at the absurd price - maybe - of around $5,000 once it can be manufactured to U.S. standards and tastes. Find out more after the jump.


Gallery: Detroit 2010: Tata Nano


Photos by Sebastian Blanco / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tata Nano makes North American debut in Detroit, but its future here remains uncertain

Tata Nano makes North American debut in Detroit, but its future here remains uncertain originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurefeaturedgreenTata Motorstata motors u.s.tata motors ustata nanotata nano europetata nano united statestata nano ustata technologiestata u.s.tata usTataMotorsTataMotorsU.s.TataMotorsUsTataNanoTataNanoEuropeTataNanoUnitedStatesTataNanoUsTataTechnologiesTataU.s.TataUsworlds cheapest carWorldsCheapestCarFri, 15 Jan 2010 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19318989/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/15/detroit-2010-tata-nano-squeezes-in-a-visit/19318989/article-detail.xml 19318989 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/tata-nano-detroit-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/tata-nano-detroit-630.jpg <![CDATA[$220,000 DC Designs Tata Nano coming this year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/220-000-dc-designs-tata-nano-coming-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/220-000-dc-designs-tata-nano-coming-this-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/220-000-dc-designs-tata-nano-coming-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

DC Designs Tata Nano - Click above for image gallery

DC Designs came out swinging at this week's Auto Expo 2010, and in addition to revealing its Imperator and Ying Yang concepts, the Mumbai-based firm's namesake - Dilip Chhabaria - revealed plans to produce a bespoke Tata Nano that's set to cost... wait for it... 10 million rupee. That's $220,000.

How could Chhabari possibly inflate the price of the Nano by some $218,000? According to reports coming out New Delhi, DC plans to completely overhaul the budget runabout, replacing all the body panels, brakes, suspension and interior components, along with fitting 20-inch wheels and replacing the 33 horsepower, 624cc engine with a 1.6-liter mill that's able to propel the five-seat hatch to a maximum speed of 124 mph. We figure we could do all of that on a LeMons budget, so either something got lost in translation or we'll have what he's having.

Chhabari told the AFP that he expects, "...people from Bollywood to be interested in this project, but I think generally it will be people who have a passion for cars." DC plans to sell between two and five modified Nanos each year and expects to not only market his creation in India, but also export his $200k hatch to outside markets. Hey Dilip, stop hogging the hookah.


Gallery: DC Designs Cars


[Source: AFP]

$220,000 DC Designs Tata Nano coming this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>000220220000dcdc designsDcDesignsdilip chhabariaDilipChhabariatatatata nanoTataNanoThu, 07 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19307479/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/07/220-000-dc-designs-tata-nano-coming-this-year/19307479/article-detail.xml 19307479 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/dc-nano_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/dc-nano.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: 15% of Tata Nano reservations being cancelled due to slow fill rate]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/report-15-of-tato-nano-reservations-being-cancelled-due-to-slo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/report-15-of-tato-nano-reservations-being-cancelled-due-to-slo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/report-15-of-tato-nano-reservations-being-cancelled-due-to-slo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tata Nano Europa in Geneva - click above for high-res image gallery

When you're talking about the Tata Nano, you're talking about the cheapest car in the world. And on the Subcontinent's booming economy, lots of folks are looking for their first automobile. When we say "lots" we mean millions, maybe tens or even hundreds of millions. All of which would make the Nano a highly logical choice, sort of like when Americans couldn't stop buying Ford's Model T. Only thing is, old Hank Ford ensured that there was a very steady stream of cheap cars for people to buy. Tata appears to be struggling with a different approach.

As a result of slow deliveries, the Hindustan Times notes that 15% of Tata Nano orders placed so far have been canceled. To put that in perspective, just over 200,000 people have placed orders for the bare bones transportation device. Meaning slightly more than 30,000 people have canceled their orders. Unlike the Model T, India's market is currently flooded with alternatives. Sure they cost more, but as one dealer points out, "People don't mind shelling out a bit more to get their car immediately." For their part, Tata is blaming capacity issues at its Pantnagar plant, but officials say they will deliver 100,000 cars by Q4 2010.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Tata Nano Europa


[Source: Hindustan Times]

REPORT: 15% of Tata Nano reservations being cancelled due to slow fill rate originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europaFordHenry FordHenryFordIndiaModel TModelTnanonano europaNanoEuropaPantnagartataTata NanoTataNanoworlds cheapest carWorldsCheapestCarMon, 28 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19295173/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/28/report-15-of-tato-nano-reservations-being-cancelled-due-to-slo/19295173/article-detail.xml 19295173 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/nano630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/nano630.jpg -1 2