Tata's $2,000 Nano Car To Roll This July
It's stated that "hundreds of thousands are set to queue up to book, including motorbike owners and people who have been using public transport." Sadly, the company will require over a year to deliver the first 100,00 vehicles. In order to combat the fact that demand will far outstrip supply, we're told that the "first 100,000 Nano owners will be randomly picked from bookings made from April 9 and 25, and their prices will be protected."
Chairman Ratan Tata stated: "From the drawing board to its commercial launch, the car has overcome several challenges. I hope it will provide safe, affordable four-wheel transportation to families who till now have not been able to own a car. We are at the gates offering a new form of transportation to the people of India, and later I hope other markets as well." On that last bit, Tata has already announced plans to launch a European model by 2011, though a North American version doesn't seem as close to reality.
The funny thing is, Tata could absolutely sell these for at least double, if not triple the asking price, but as the company asserts: "This was never conceived as the cheapest car, but as providing transport to those people who never owned a car."
Comments
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Is this the same car that the Geek Squad uses in the UK? http://www.flickr.com/photos/8017392@N04/821154566/ (sorry I don't remember how to tag images through the comments section) |
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With an engine for $12,500. |
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Do you think they called it the Nano because "33hp Interstate Deathtrap" didn't roll off the tongue as well? I disagree that they could sell them at twice the price. They'll be lucky to sell them at the going price, given that the things go 65mph max... downhill... in a hurricane. They're totally unsuitable for driving outside of the city. And, looking at the height vs. width, I'm guessing we'll be hearing all kinds of reports of teenagers flipping these while taking sharp turns at 45mph. India has no regulated rollover testing. |
Oh no sir...they have an option for hardened suspension so you can make those 45mph turns |
3vi1:
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Heheh... yeah, sign me up for the hardened suspension and the "performance package", since reports from people that have driven the car say it won't even do 60 and takes 17 seconds to get up to 50-something. I think we've finally found a car that makes the Yugo look fast and safe. |
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That is one UGLY vehicle, let me say that much. |
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looks similar to the Smart car, I would never buy either one though. I'm a Jeep guy. |
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I saw this on the News just now! @ Dave: For the price don't expect something good looking. I bet they focused on making it actually work! |
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I thought they focused on something that they could make from leftover lawnmower parts. I read that the wheel bearings will wear out quickly if you drive it any faster than 45MPH, then the wheels snap off. Some of the facts on Wikipedia make me scared for anyone who buys one: |
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