Is Price the Game Changer?

Absolutely it will sell.

Remember the YUGO? It was based on 40 year old Fiat technology but sold for around $5000 (?). It was a success but the lack of (and access to) spare parts led to its demise.

Tata will ensure those same mistakes aren't made. Any cash (or credit) strapped buyer will buy this new car over a 10-15 year old used one anytime.

It has four wheels.

How will it fare with current safety restrictions in the U.S.?---As I am reminded, , at least in California, State and Federal laws require not only pollution controls, but also front and side impact controls, IE, airbags---big bucks---anyway you look at it, can't see where it would get approval here in the U.S.---Of course, in India, and other gross polluting countries, a market awaits--comments and observations are appreciated C-MAC

Hi C-Mac,

In India we are pollution conscious. Nano is confirming to EURO-II standards. If it is marketed in U.S it will have additional features to meet local laws and surely price tag will change.

I had opportunity of sitting in the car in showroom at Mumbai. No test drives yet. Booking has already closed down for 100,000 cars.Basically it is meant for only city drive not for highway drive. As tall person I had to move my seat backwards for sitting in front.

Interiors are reasonably good. Body and paint finish is also good. But engine performance will be known after car hits the road.

Suresh Sharma.

any one could over come the nanny state restrictions but building it as a 3 wheeler (2 in the front for stability) and keeping it under 1500 lbs, then its a motorcycle and with a price even at $5k would sell like hot cakes. for that matter I would like to see a cheaper motorcycle, diesel too. Lynn

Good points spacecannon.

My viewpoint is influenced by much driving either professionally, or unprofessionally.

Every car has a story.

For three years out of my life I got everywhere rain, snow, or shine on two different motorcycles.

I could feel the luck draining out of my body.

The way I look at it, having lived a life where many of my crimes were crimes of poverty, I certainly resent laws and regulations that made it tougher on me from every quarter, barbarians, cops, bureaucrats et al.

I advise that one not be entirely dependent to get around on only a motorcycle having found reasons to ride when there was every natural reason not to.

The reasons for the creation and manufacture of the Tata, and its position as competition with motorcycles is laudable from a social standpoint, from my understanding of what risks are part of life for the working classes. Your Three wheeled vehicle suggestion is in a way ironic for the realism is that in the US, we might well be able to by a Three Wheeler, less safe than a 4 wheeler, due to laws, regulations, and vested interests that turn to be really against our best interests.

Hi C-Mac, The Tata Nano is a rear- engined car, aimed primarily at the Indian market. At this stage, it will not pass the California State & Federal laws. R & D Engineers in Tata Motors are quite aware of the requirements for exports to USA & other countries. When the time comes, you will see them in US also. All AUTO MAKERS in the world are now thinking of introducing their own low-cost cars. Tata Nano is the most talked about car in the world today & was already displayed at 79 th Geneva Motor Show under the name-TATA NANO EUROPA for future launch in select international market. For futher data you may visit their web site - www.tatanano.com Or http;//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Nano. With best wishes. Rangasamy

Rangasamy---Thank you , and others for the information. I have heard about this car for just about 9 months now, and did not , or could not get much information on it. I was wondering if it uses a catalytic converter? Do Indian regulations require this device? Here in the states, they are expensive, and have become a favorite item for theft, for the aftermarket.. In my travels to various places outside of the U.S., I don't see many pollution restrictions on vehicles--Diesels, in Central and South America have few if any, and are in great use---but then again, it is a matter of scale---not nearly as many vehicles as there are people, unlike the U.S. (excepting Mexico City). It will be interesting to see how it is marketed, and what the distribution targets are. China, I'm sure, is, very aware of this car, and is probably hot on their heels! Thanks again---all further info would be quite welcome. C-MAC

Hi C-Mac, Tata Nano is fitted with a Catalytic Converter, supplied by BASF. BASF Catalysts has developed a Converter for the Nano to meet India's current emission Standards. BASF local experts are supported by their colleagues in USA. BASF operates a Catalyst manufacturing plant in Chennai, India. Hope this clears your doubts. Rangasamy

C_MAC, you do not say where you are from, but I shall assume the USA. If so, for you to refer to India as a "gross polluting country" smacks a bit of the pot and the kettle. California's environmental rules being so strict, but the Governor driving a Hummer??? - how could anyone with a record of gas guzzlers such as America's even dare to criticize this poor little car.

As for safety regulations, they are mostly a crock - all the side impact bars in the world fitted to a standard saloon car will not let one survive a side impact from a massive SUV or the like.

To Guest (Please do us all a favor and register a real identity--no need to provide sniper fire)---I am living in So. Cal. (Have travelled to many places in the world)---I feel that some of the environmental restrictions have been helpful---(pollution controls for cars etc.)---Interesting enough, the AMQD (air management district control in SoCal.) has determined that most of the air pollution in the L.A. basin is caused by the harbors of Los Angeles and Long Beach, through the ships and the truck haulers---that air blows up every day with the afternoon onshore breeze, into the greater basin. As far as your claims of India's pollution problem, have you visited Dehli recently? ---Pilots having to fly in with controls, not visual , on many days--a good friend just returned and said that he could not see the ground, due to pollution, until 1500 feet off the tarmac---my daughter spent time in, Beijing, China, before the Olympics, and they could see nothing other than yellow haze (go back and look at the pre-Olympic photos) ---look at what the Chinese government did to restrict pollution (no cars on the roads, and factories shut down on rotating schedules) , so the Games would not be a black eye to the environmental groups (all of this is quite available through many sources--start looking) As far as our Governor (not my favorite) , he drives a "HYBRID HUMMER"---that's right , check it out---full hybrid---report back after fact checking--By the way, would you please fill us in on where you are from, and from what viewpoint you are approaching this subject from?--Thanks (Also MANY thanks to our Indian friends who provide us with facts to create our opinions with!!) C-MAC

Hi C-Mac,

First of all I would not like to get involved in this controversy. Delhi had problem of visibility during the winter that was due to fog. There was problem of pollution due to heavy vehicular traffic in past , but now it is under control as many of public transport vehicles are switched to CNG gas. I had been to U.S long time back and was aghast at the rate of flow of vehicles throughout day and night they must be polluting atmosphere a lot. At harbours I saw huge tanks which were storing large stock of imported oil. As per my information U.S is major contributor in increasing global warming. We have saying here "People who live in glass houses don't throw stones at others".

Suresh Sharma.

Hi Suresh!--Thanks for your mail--Things have changed in California since you were probably here last---The air IS much cleaner, but, alas, the traffic flows and number of cars have not diminished. It amazes me me, with all of the electronic technology available, that good systems of traffic light synchronization,etc. haven't really been implemented in larger cities. Cars waiting at traffic lights, stop and go driving , and the like account for 30 % of total fuel consumption---The LNG conversions are already being used by many truck and delivery fleets, and , in my opinion, should be mandatory for all Government vehicles, Federal and State.--I heard today that this state will be looking into 2-stroke motorcycle catalytic converters, along with other pollution control devices for such engines.....things move slowly, but we must all help push a bit to make sure they keep moving in the right direction. Best--C-MAC

Hi,

Just out of interest, do you have a reference for this "---full hybrid----". I have not been able to find any good ones and also not one that gives "well to wheel" consumption.

ps - I have no desire to get involved with your differences with the other guest, I am interested in this Hybrid and what it means.

Latetst news, Tata Nano has booked 2,00,000/- cars. Now they will draw lottery for 1,00,000/- and the winners will get cars @ $2000/- for basic model.

Suresh Sharma

Amazing!

We are shutting down plants in the USA but Tata has to provide their customerswith cars by lottery.

It just goes to show... IF YOU BUILD IT (the way the customer wants), THEY WILL COME.

My first new car was a 1971 Hondda AZ600, and it cost $1960 out the door. Over 3 years+ of ownership, it averaged close to 45 mpg. It was a hoot to drive, and ideal for a young person.

The Nano is amazingly similar in size and specifications, although the Honda was faster. Neither car will pass today's US safety and emissions requirements as is. Still a game changer if they can sell it here.

Tata have been on sale in eourrope for a while now with no probles with ncap safety regulations or spare parts so give them a chance