Tata Nano could come to US in 3 years with $8,000 price tag

[BigMass]

Leave it to North America to ruin the whole point of that ugly looking thing

$8000 for a Nano or $9900 for a proven Hyundai? If i had to chose i'd pay the extra $1900 for the Hyundai. $2500 sounded a lot more appealing
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1273/cheap-car-from-india-could-cost-8000-in-us/
http://tatananoindia.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/tata-nano.jpg

[Pollywog]

While I agree that its highly unfortunate that the price was not as expected, when compared to other vehicles you start to realize that they have priced it appropriately for the market. It costs over $8000 for almost any motorcycle these days, as well for any similar "alternative" transportation. This gives you the transportation and the environmental protection of a car at less than the price of a motorcycle - sounds like a deal to me.

Edit: If it sold for $2500 here I'd be laughing at their stupidity. Dirtbikes go for more.

[spikerS]

well, they sell for one hell of alot less in India, and shipping 1 of them over here does not cost >$6000

[01RedDX]

.

[BigMass]

Originally posted by Pollywog
While I agree that its highly unfortunate that the price was not as expected, when compared to other vehicles you start to realize that they have priced it appropriately for the market. It costs over $8000 for almost any motorcycle these days, as well for any similar "alternative" transportation. This gives you the transportation and the environmental protection of a car at less than the price of a motorcycle - sounds like a deal to me.


The Europa version sounds a lot more feasible (drivable) for the NA market at 5000 Euros (6500 US) with a beefed up engine and a bit nicer interior. That would actulaly not be too bad

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-bodacious-tatas-indian-automaker-debuts-nano-euro/
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Nano_Tata.jpg

[dino_martini]

If I remember correctly, when they showed the car off at Geneva they originally let people climb in and out of the car, touch it, etc.

But they found that after day 1 of the show, they had to re-build the car because it was falling apart.

:dunno:

[badatusrnames]

Originally posted by spikers
well, they sell for one hell of alot less in India, and shipping 1 of them over here does not cost >$6000

A large part of the cost likely has to due with getting it compliant for our roads... these things need to meet emissions and safety standards that they don't have in India and that the car wasn't designed for.

Not to mention, they likely need to add some of the creature comforts and touches that North American car buyers expect.

[bituerbo]

I'd much rather drive something where my legs aren't considered a structural component in crash testing.

[Pollywog]

Originally posted by bituerbo
I'd much rather drive something where my legs aren't considered a structural component in crash testing.

Lol, while I understand what you are saying, look at some similar examples such as the Smart car - It has a sports car cage and a ridiculously strong frame. Your legs are not considered crumple zones.

[Tomaz]

Originally posted by bituerbo
I'd much rather drive something where my legs aren't considered a structural component in crash testing. :rofl:

Can you even get winter tires that small? :rolleyes:

I hate this thing so much. It's like the "Walmart" of the auto industry. Unfortunately it will succeed as a business.

[A790]

Originally posted by Tomaz
:rofl:

Can you even get winter tires that small? :rolleyes:

I hate this thing so much. It's like the "Walmart" of the auto industry. Unfortunately it will succeed as a business.
No it won't. Not here in North America.

[Pollywog]

Originally posted by A790

No it won't. Not here in North America.

I seriously doubt that, it's a cheap smart car with two more seats. While the smart car in general has been losing money, keep in mind that this is mainly due to passenger limitations and initial expense. These cars come in at basically half the price of a base model smart car, are just as fuel efficient (if not more) and have 4 doors to boot. Like I said, sounds like a deal.

Edit: Obviously this is a niche market, but imagine how many people alone would be buying these cars for their kids. It is affordable, it comes with a warranty, it's fuel efficient, and far from fast.

[Thaco]

i could see people with an SUV buying one of these essentially disposable cars as a daily summer driver and saving the purchase price in gas within the first year, and it only takes up half a parking space so you could buy 2.

[Tomaz]

I actually will think they might make good sales in NA. Untill the first car accident of course :rolleyes:


Originally posted by Pollywog

it's a cheap smart car with two more seats... basically half the price of a base model smart car, are just as fuel efficient (if not more) and have 4 doors to boot.

100% Truth. Make shit cheap enough for the average dumbass, and said dumbass will purchase. Hence, Walmart.

[max_boost]

No thanks. That thing looks dangerous to operate haha

[5000Audi]

looks like one of them red with yellow roof little tykes push cars i had as a kid...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/Calscars/redcar.jpg


lol

[boxer23]

RWD + Rear Engine = really cheap porsche:D

[chkolny541]

^^not quite

[tacsniper]

So when you get into an accident is it an instant write off? The labour itself to replace a bumper probably cost 1/4 of the car!

[Canmorite]

Originally posted by 5000Audi
looks like one of them red with yellow roof little tykes push cars i had as a kid...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/Calscars/redcar.jpg


:rofl:

[5hift]

Originally posted by Pollywog


Obviously this is a niche market, but imagine how many people alone would be buying these cars for their kids. It is affordable, it comes with a warranty, it's fuel efficient, and far from fast.

Yeah with a body that light, and tires taken from power wheels, it`ll be a winter beast on Calgary`s unplowed roads.

[civic_stylez]

Originally posted by 01RedDX
I'd much rather get a CBR125 for $2,500, thanks.

Agreed....:thumbsup:

[mx73someday]

Hopefully this inspires a kei car market and Japanese manufacturers get in on the competition, however much I doubt that would happen here.

I can only imagine what other cars would cost in this market if they didn't have to meet so many standards.

[Masta Dz17]

hahaha :rofl:

[Pollywog]

Originally posted by 01RedDX
I'd much rather get a CBR125 for $2,500, thanks.
And a bus pass for the remaining 8 months of the year? lol


Originally posted by 5hift
Yeah with a body that light, and tires taken from power wheels, it`ll be a winter beast on Calgary`s unplowed roads.
Humorous, but the reality is that smart cars and kei trucks drive our roads all winter - how would this be any different?

[HiTempguy1]

If this comes to Canada, I could see it selling fairly well. Case in point, the Firefly/Sprint/Metro. GM sold a shit-ton of them, the market in Canada was much more receptive to them then the USA was (which is why we got the turbocharged models as well).

[01RedDX]

.

[Pollywog]

Originally posted by 01RedDX
I doubt this thing can traverse Calgary's unplowed roads on its little donuts.

Like I said: "smart cars and kei trucks drive our roads all winter - how would this be any different?"

[Tomaz]

Originally posted by 01RedDX


Yup. LOL



I doubt this thing can traverse Calgary's unplowed roads on its little donuts.

no weight and those small assed tires could make it very interesting indeed. I couldn't imagine wanting to travel highway speeds in that little thing!

[Pollywog]

Originally posted by Tomaz


no weight and those small assed tires could make it very interesting indeed. I couldn't imagine wanting to travel highway speeds in that little thing!

It only weights just over 200lbs. less than a smart car. Put a chubby in the drivers seat and there would be negligible difference.

[01RedDX]

.

[Pollywog]

Originally posted by 01RedDX


This presents a whole new set of challenges, and yet another reason why it wasn't meant for North Americans.


LOL, point well taken.

[Zewind]

Now, I havent checked the Nano lately, but I remember when they first came out they had Power-nothing.


You think they will upgrade or keep the same?

[Nels]

Originally posted by 5000Audi
looks like one of them red with yellow roof little tykes push cars i had as a kid...

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/Calscars/redcar.jpg


lol

hahaha :thumbsup:

[88jbody]

I'll spend 10g on a Hyundai accent. and have my 5 year 100,000 km warranty and good gas millage

[Anomaly]

Can't imagine what one of these would look like after getting hit by a F350 :eek: