India's Tata Motors just unveiled the world's cheapest car. At just $2500, the Tata Nano has been dubbed the people's car. It holds 5 people, goes up to 60 miles per hour and gets 50 miles per gallon. That price will get customers the base model which means no radio and no air conditioning - just the bare bones essentials. 
The Tata Nano is scheduled to roll out in India later this year, and Tata Group Chairman, Ratan Tata says the company hopes to expand the Nano's distribution to other developing countries in Latin America and Africa in the near future. What do you think? Is there a market for the Tata Nano in the United States?
While the size of the car might make it look like a death trap, it's supposedly built with safety in mind. I suppose it can't be much more dangerous than a Mazda Miata, MG or other mini car. I think the fact that it gets 50 miles per gallon is very attractive, particularly now while gas prices are through the roof. Perhaps the Tata Nano could be a popular option for people who only drive locally in the U.S.
Apparently, car manufacturers are watching the Tata Nano story carefully, and already Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. are working to develop a car that will cost less than $3,000. Could a subcompact car like the Tata Nano make it to U.S. streets anytime in the near future? I have to say I think there are several target audiences for a car like the Tata Nano in the United States. What do you think?
Yes, but the buyers would dominantly not be the current autobuyers and the way people would use that car would differ from the current ways of using a car.
Daylaborers and domestic help would buy it. Driving a crappy car still beats the bus in quite many instances.
People, who need basic transportation around their holiday home in another state would buy it and store it along the balcony furniture for approx. 11 months per year.
Posted by: PiaK | January 12, 2008 2:42 AM | Permalink to Comment