Posted on 04/15/2008 12:22:26 PM PDT by Red Badger
The low-cost Indian "peoples car" has finally been shown in public for the first time at the New Delhi Auto Expo. Developed by Tata Motors to a target price of $2,500, the four seater has a 624cc gasoline engine mounted under the rear seat and is called the Nano. There has been a lot concern that meeting the price target would require Tata to skimp on emission controls and safety. The manufacturer claims that the 33hp engine meets current Euro IV emissions standards and is cleaner than most of the scooters running around on Indian streets right now. They also claim that the car has passed frontal and side impact tests although no mention is currently made of what standard they are testing too.
The Nano will be available in three trim levels with the base $2,500 getting no air conditioning. The two upper levels do get AC although it's not clear if that 33hp engine will be able to move the car and provide chilled air at the same time. The minimalist interior includes non-reclining seating for four, a four speed manual transmission, an a dashboard with speedometer, fuel gauge and oil light. Tata claims the Nano can achieve 54 mpg (U.S.) presumably without the A/C. It should be available in the second half of 2008 with a sales target of 500,000 units annually.
Here’s the perfect knickname:
Hooter Scooter..........
Speed Bump
Nice TaTas.
1st they allow Mexican trucks to run through the U.S. delivering pot and illegals or whatever. NOw this p.o.s. ?
Man the govt. really is trying to kill us on the highways aren’t they?
I remember when Yugo came out with their Station Wagon...the Wego
It even looks like one...
No adjustable seats or ac. There can’t be much re the govmint mandated safety or emmission gear. Watch Brad and Angelina get one.
How much for the optional cutter deck?
Heck, that's less than my Harley.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
“They also claim that the car has passed frontal and side impact tests..”
They pounded it with pillows?
..yugo....., came w/optional rear window defroster, so’s yer hands won’t get cold while yer’ pushin’ it!
Seems like a time warp to the late 1930’s. An expansionist military regime hosts the Olympics to showcase the master race, the world’s nations are neatly divided into two ideological camps, and a people’s car is introduced.
That question will need to be cleared-up before I want to buy one.
I sure hope your not at work, you seem to really be checking out the car sites today... :~)
Good for them.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
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