Tata to send Nano to America?
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Mar 24th 2009 at 8:48AM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tata Nano
Could an extremely inexpensive, minuscule little car like the Tata Nano actually sell in America, the land historically enamored with powerful V8 engines surrounded by as much sheet metal as possible? According to reports, Tata Motors may be about to find out, as the Indian automaker is said to be looking at an introduction into the U.S. market by 2011 or 2012.
What makes Ratan Tata, chairman of the automaker that bears his name, think that his diminutive machine might sell in the United States? The economy, of course. Americans may be willing to accept some of the sacrifices that would go hand-in-hand with owning the World's Cheapest Car, though the version likely to sell in the States would surely differ in major ways from what's is now on sale in India.
If the Tata Nano were to hit the U.S. market, it would need to pass the same safety and emissions regulations as any other car currently sold in America. Those are not insurmountable tasks, however, as proven by the version of the Nano that's planned for European markets. So far, there's no indication how much a Tata Nano would cost in U.S. dollars if it were sold here.
Gallery: Tata Nano: The People's Car
[Source: Financial Times]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
ryan 8:56AM (3/24/2009)
The Nano was specifically engineered for the average impoverished Indian family, to save them from having to get around on dangerous mopeds. It was designed from the ground up to be as cheap as possible. As in, it probably wasn't made to do battle on the roads of America. Could it be modified to take the abuse and punishment that is dished out on the US of A's highways and biways? Probably-- but I would be willing to wager that a LOT of its price appeal would instantly vanish with such modifications.
I think that Tata has an excellent product on their hands. A very niche, specific car that does one thing, and it will probably do it very well. Compare that to the global vehicles that try to appeal to everyone on every continent. Tata is probably the most forward-thinking auto company on the planet. I mean that in the business-sense.
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polo 1:54PM (3/24/2009)
Oh please. Like India is the only country on earth with a market for small cars.
Last I checked ALL the automakers are rolling out more or rushing to roll out small cars. The Nano passed European standards and will sell well at a higher price-point there. The same will be true for the US. This would also be the perfect platform for an EV, and it does look a little like the iMev.
ryan 7:59AM (3/25/2009)
polo, re-read my post another 2-3 times, let what I said sink in, and then try again. The Tata Nano is not just some "small car", as you mistakenly label it. It is a revolutionary vehicle meant to put four wheels under families in India at a price that is affordable to them.
jim 9:17AM (3/24/2009)
Assuming it is cheap, say less than $5K nicely equipped (relative) why not. The question will be is it a better value than a similarly priced use car for the intended use?
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polo 1:59PM (3/24/2009)
How idiotic is it to compare a new car to a used car. 99% of the new cars out could be compared to used models that offer similar benefits at a cheaper price, which is the whole reason prices depreciate right off the lot.
This thing will be way under the price of a Chevy Aveo and should sell pretty well. If they come out with an EV version I'd definitely be interested.
avi 9:28AM (3/24/2009)
Remember this will be mostly for city driving and not highways. Similar to the smart cars currently in US which you wont take on long trips. How do you think the smart cars handle the US highways? Plus if the Nano can handle the roads in India, it definitely can handle the roads here though the top speed might be an issue to some but then again you wont buy this car for speed in the first place.
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Throwback 9:43AM (3/24/2009)
Handling the roads is not the issue. Crash safety is. Also, for all it's faults the Smart is an extremely well built, and pricey city car. Can the Nano compete with a used Honda Fit, Nissan Versa etc..? Those are the issues for the Nano to overcome.
Noz 1:42PM (3/24/2009)
You don't need much to go to the local supermarket or farmer's market. This car is perfect for around town. Even a 5 door Civic is ridiculously large to just got a few miles here and there.
vw junky 9:41AM (3/24/2009)
Bring it on, maybe it will spur cheap and thrifty cars. I am sure they will sell some at least and then maybe the tiny euro cars might get the hint that Americans like more than mega size cars and trucks! LOL!
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Avinash machado 10:11AM (3/24/2009)
Would be a nice car to sell for Saturn dealerships to sell if they get spun off from GM.
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Brn 10:14AM (3/24/2009)
By the time you make this thing legal on US roads, it's going to weigh a lot more. It'll need a bigger engine. MPG will probably be in the Ford Fusion range. Also, you'll probably be looking at $7K-$8K. You can get a much better used car for that kind of money.
As ryan said, this car is specifically designed for a particular purpose. For that purpose, it's dead on. Try to make it something else and it's not up to it.
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polo 2:04PM (3/24/2009)
Can you show me all these cars that get 40mpg and cost around $7K brand new or near-new? Thanks.
This looks like a 4-door "city" car, which quite a few automakers are rushing to roll out. With a little repackaging it will be highly competitive against those.
Brn 2:33PM (3/24/2009)
polo, you changed the parameters on me. When I said Fusion, I didn't say hybrid so I don't know where you got the 40mpg from.
In that price range you could purchase a 2006 Focus (or a number of other vehicles). It'll get similar mileage to what I suspect the revised (much heavier, more hp) Nano would get.
Normally, I don't like the used vs new argument. In this case, I suspect a 2006 econo car would significantly outlast a new Nano.
"With a little repackaging it will be highly competitive against those."
This is where we differ. I don't think it can be done with a little repackaging. I think it'll take a ton of rework, so extreme that it's not a good starting point. I'm not trying ti disrespect the Nano. I just think people are trying to turn it into something it's not designed to be.
Rob O. 10:19AM (3/24/2009)
I'm rooting for the Nano to make it to the US. Is it basic? Yes! The time is right for task-appropriate cars. We've got to get away from using big, beastly, lumbering SUVs & trucks as commuter vehicles. And maybe this'll help drive the prices of other small cars, like the Fit or Yaris even lower.
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Throwback 10:32AM (3/24/2009)
Basic for us still means ABS brakes, power windows/locks, 6 air bags and a stereo. You can get all of that and more in any number of used quality small cars in the 5-8K range.
Noz 1:43PM (3/24/2009)
Most of which you don't need.
Jharlan 11:31AM (3/24/2009)
Really cheap transportation in the US has been regulated out of existence. I see the US version of this car coming in about 8K. It still beats the hell out of a Smart!
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shopa 1:32PM (3/24/2009)
test
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shopa 1:36PM (3/24/2009)
The Nano will never pass US Crash Tests and therefore can't be driven on highways.
It might be allowed in your neighborhood.
If my safer small car invention were added to the Nano, it would pass.
www.safersmallcars.com
Anybody want to license the idea?
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Max 2:42PM (3/24/2009)
I think if it came to America it would only have one car to compete against and that's the Smart Car (MSRP $11K-16K). As long as the price stays a couple thousand less than that the Nano would do quite well in America, barring the safety modifications. More info on the story here, http://www.newsy.com/videos/world_s_cheapest_car_hits_market/
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