Cheap car from India could cost $8,000 in US

DETROIT (AP) -- The world's cheapest car is being readied for sale in the U.S., but by the time India's Tata Nano is retrofitted to meet emissions and safety standards, it won't be that cheap.



Tata Technologies Ltd., the global engineering arm of the Tata group conglomerate, brought the tiny car to Detroit as a publicity stunt for the engineering group.



Tata officials, while maintaining that they couldn't speak for Tata Motors, maker of the $2,500 Nano, said they were involved with the Nano from concept until it launched last July in Mumbai.



They wouldn't say when the Nano might arrive in the U.S. or how much it might cost here, although Ratan Tata, chairman of the group of Tata companies, has said it should be ready for U.S. distribution in about three years.


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DaHarder - 1/16/2010 2:45:35 PM

+3 Boost

If true...

There's really no benefit to selling them in the US, as most buyers would opt for a relatively low-mileage/better-equipped used car instead.

If they can't price it below US 6,0000 (out the door), they needn't bother.

Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 1/16/2010 4:22:12 PM

+2 Boost

I do not think it is going to be priced more than $5000 since it is supposed to be a world wide low cost car...

Lamborghini_vs_Ferrari_Racer - 1/16/2010 4:25:28 PM

+2 Boost

Oh yes, the European versions will be 4000-5000 Euros but they say similarly priced, don't forget the US taxes are cheaper than Europe and cars cost a fraction over here, so it will cost around $5000, well I wish it does so that a lot more people in this country can afford new cars rather than old cars with no warranty and a lot of maintenance....NOTHING LIKE BUYING A NEW CAR!

Joe_Limon - 1/16/2010 4:39:27 PM

+1 Boost

Warranties carry forward when you sell a vehicle. And you are correct, there is nothing like buying a new car, especially a new cheap car. I gag everytime I sit in one of these econoboxes that smells like the plastic was just poured.

pennfootball - 1/18/2010 10:22:09 AM

+1 Boost

I will take my 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona every day of the week and twice on Sunday over any new Ferrari, it hold's its value MUCH better, and I can fix it with a hammer instead of your microchip laden recalcitrant Volkswagen that will not have replacement parts after 10 years with no aftermarket ability/possibility to re-manufacture your computer!

EL34 - 1/16/2010 9:57:44 PM

-2 Boost

Only an idiot would buy a Tata at any price.

Joe_Limon - 1/16/2010 10:20:54 PM

-2 Boost

I'd buy one hundred at $1 and set up some sort of demolition derby.

g2ok - 1/17/2010 10:09:36 AM

+1 Boost

For a car that was intended as a step up from a family riding on a motorcycle in India, I just don't think this car fits the US market at all. Maybe at $3k they could sell them as novelty electrics. I'm sure companies like Tata and Geely will be bringing appropriate cars to this market other than Jaguar or Volvo.

Although after all the Bush-Obama expenditures, we may need some rickshaws here in 8 years.

TexLandRover - 1/17/2010 4:13:23 PM

+3 Boost

Hey, it's better than a 'golf cart'! Some 'golf carts' cost $8000.00.

truckman - 1/17/2010 7:42:16 PM

+1 Boost

I would never ever ride in one of those death boxes.