Tata Motors May Launch Nano In America: Special Editions In The Works
Efficient, light, and affordable. That is the philosophy behind the Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car, and one of the smallest as well. Launched earlier this year in Tata’s home market of India, the Nano is a lesson in minimalism, with a trunk that doesn’t open, a single wiper blade, and a number of other cost cutting features that keep its price down to just $2,160. Yes, you can buy a brand new car for just over $2,000 American dollars in India.
In fact, you might be able to buy one here in the good old U.S.A. in a few years. Reuters is reporting that Tata is considering selling the Nano right here in America. The question is, would Americans buy it?
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The Nano is clever in the way it cuts costs, while still being a properly built car. The base model, for example, has just one side view mirror. The rear-mounted 35 horsepower 3-cylinder engine drives the rear wheels, eliminating the need for a drive shaft. The car is said to get very impressive fuel ratings of 61 mpg on the highway and 51 mpg in the city. But will a 35 horsepower car cut it in America, land of the SUV and the ZR-1 Corvette?
It could work, but probably only as a city car in crowded places like New York and Los Angeles. When you figure in import costs, tariffs, and revisions that would have to be made to the Nano to meet U.S. safety standards, the $2,160 base price is very likely to go up. Still, the Nano would likely be the cheapest car available for purchase in the U.S. If it does come to our shores, it probably won’t be until 2012 or 2013, and the Nano will certainly have evolved by then. There has even been talk of an electric and hybrid Nano, though I think 50 mpg in the city is a pretty good selling point for most people.
Tata is also unleashing two special editions of the Nano, “For Her” and “For Him”. Yup, just like bath towels. “For Her’ comes in Cocktail Red, and is adorned in flowers inside and out. “For Him” comes in Wild Lime and gets leather seats and door pads. Both cars come with start-stop engine technology, air conditioning, tinted glass, fog lights, and electric front windows. Neat.
So, if Tata sold the Nano in America, would YOU buy one? Personally, I’d pass, though the low price and high fuel efficiency is very tempting… I just don’t like the looks of the Nano. I’m shallow like that.
Source: Reuters | Autocar | Image: Tata
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January 6th, 2010 at 3:18 pm
Id rather drive this car in the us than the p t cruiser or a cookie cutter japanese mid-income shiny toy.
Just driving this backwards (r)-evolution of frugal engineering will drive suburban look-alike car owners to envy.
And at the mileage it gives…cant wait to get custom choppers to galvanise it for college students and make it a reality for cash strapped motorists.
Aaaaah, Vinyl vs flashy digital mp3s. Vinyl always wins.
January 6th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
If they were able to meet the safety and emissions standards of the US while keeping the price under about $6K, I’d buy one. It’s no beauty but it’s got a charm and I like its simplicity.
January 6th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
I would have to take the seat test…….. I’m a big guy, 6′2″ and 205 lbs I need space and comfort……I like space… no sardines please
January 6th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
ah look just in time four the easter egg hunt
January 7th, 2010 at 7:30 am
It doesn’t seem that long ago that you could buy a number of minimal cars. I clearly remember the old VW Beetles, the old Austin Minis (my learner car), the first Excels, the Geo Metro and all gas sippers.
I might buy one of these Tatas too if it passes the basic safety tests, but even more interested in the EV version. And the parking of this thing would be a charm, and great for local 1 person trips without too much guilt.
January 7th, 2010 at 7:48 am
This is wonderful. I have always wondered why there has always been a cry for these type of vehicles but no leaders in America making them.
I applaud the inventiveness and common sense of Tata Motors.
January 7th, 2010 at 8:19 am
I was thinking about it…and if they made a TWO door version of the Nano, I’d give it a lot more consideration. It just seems too…squished with four doors. But two I could handle.
January 8th, 2010 at 10:49 am
For that price, I’d definitely buy it, though I’d prefer a true hatchback so I can haul some stuff in it. I’m sure I’m in the minority: I drove a Geo Metro for 18 years and was very disappointed that I couldn’t replace it with anything remotely similar (meaning cheap and economical — everything sold in the US no longer prioritizes economy, despite what the car commercials say). Heck, I’d trade my new car for a Nano…and come out of the deal $14,000 ahead!
January 21st, 2010 at 10:32 am
Yes, I would buy the Nano. I like its simplistic features, its cost and fuel effeciency. It looks better that the Smart car and is less expensive.