Autoblog

Tata Nano gets ill-advised haircut at the factory

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Hatchback, India, Tata, Design/Style

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.

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Tata completes Nano fire probe, says car is safe

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:40:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Safety, India, Tata

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.

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

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, India

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

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.

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REPORT: 15% of Tata Nano reservations being cancelled due to slow fill rate

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:29:00 EST

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

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.

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

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

Filed under: Budget, India, Tata

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

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

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

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

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

Gallery: Tata Nano

[Source: Tata Motors]

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

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

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