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World's Cheapest Car Finally Arrives in India
Daily Tech ^ | March 23, 2009 | Jason Mick

Posted on 03/23/2009 8:33:08 AM PDT by Scanian

DailyTech previously covered the announcement of Tata Motor's Nano car, the world's cheapest car. Despite protests and delays, that car was finally released at a mega-event in Mumbai, India. The car is set to rock developing markets like China and India thanks to an ultra-low price of 100,000 rupees ($2,000 USD).

The car is a small 4-door sedan, designed to seat five 6-foot passengers. It weighs a mere 600 kg unladen thanks to its lightweight steel frame. It is powered by a 2-cylinder 624cc, 33 BHP engine -- the kind you would normally find in a motorcycle or scooter.

Still, the engine does allow for top speeds of up to 65 MPH. The car can reach 60 MPH in a rather long 17 seconds, but 0-30 mph and 0-40 mph are quite fast and responsive. The car also gets 60 MPG and has engine emissions of only 100g/km.

The interior is sparse, but is reported to be sturdily constructed and the ride inside is reported to be rather smooth, with low noise and vibration levels even on bumpy surfaces. Further, extra packages like air conditioning, a radio, or alloy wheels can also spice things up.

Still, downsides for the vehicle are also many. The vehicle is prone to rolling when cornering thanks to its tall height and narrow wheelbase. And while admittedly safer than the scooters or bikes that most users will be upgrading from, the safety of the vehicle is also suspect. While the steel frame should be relatively sturdy, the car features no airbags.

(Excerpt) Read more at dailytech.com ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; News/Current Events; Technical
KEYWORDS: autos; economical; nano; tatamotors
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To: Mikey_1962
You forgot one:
41 posted on 03/23/2009 9:15:21 AM PDT by 12Gauge687 (Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice)
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To: al baby

That car would be a death trap in the U.S.


42 posted on 03/23/2009 9:25:00 AM PDT by Sig Sauer P220 (Birth certificates are for suckers.)
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To: Don W
The Pinto was a decent car as well as was the Corvair.I owned a 1966 Corvair.. for 6 months. I got tired of putting the fan belt back into its proper place. It jumped of almost regularly every 50 miles. Trust me Don, it was a POS. I never had a Pinto but I did find this: http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1658545_1658498_1657866,00.html
43 posted on 03/23/2009 9:25:29 AM PDT by Mikey_1962 (Obama: The Affirmative Action President)
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To: Owl_Eagle

Nice looking Chicago rental in the background eh.


44 posted on 03/23/2009 9:25:49 AM PDT by mcshot (With proper self defense invaders should be cold by the time the cops arrive.)
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To: Sig Sauer P220

On the highway, absolutely. I’d consider driving one around town though.


45 posted on 03/23/2009 9:26:52 AM PDT by kingu (Party for rent - conservative opinions not required.)
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To: Sig Sauer P220

it looks like a disney autopia car


46 posted on 03/23/2009 9:27:09 AM PDT by al baby (Hi Mom)
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To: COBOL2Java

Nice pair of Tatas.


47 posted on 03/23/2009 9:30:59 AM PDT by Nick Danger (Never mind gold. Stockpile lead and brass.)
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To: Scanian

Never mind the car - buy the stock!

I bot Feb 3 @ 3.72 and am up 36% as of now.

Up .58 @ 5.08 this morning.

;^)


48 posted on 03/23/2009 9:31:18 AM PDT by headsonpikes (Genocide is the highest sacrament of socialism.)
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To: 12Gauge687

49 posted on 03/23/2009 9:35:01 AM PDT by Kirkwood
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To: Scanian

Does anyone know if Mahindra is going to release their 4cyc. diesel pickup they were talking about last year?


50 posted on 03/23/2009 9:36:18 AM PDT by stevio (Crunchy Con - God, guns, guts, and organically grown crunchy nuts.)
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To: Scanian

India would be better served by inventing a cheap, safe sterilization procedure.


51 posted on 03/23/2009 9:41:56 AM PDT by Trod Upon (Obama: Making the Carter malaise look good. Misery Index in 3...2...1)
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To: Cheetahcat
Sure the US Senate and their families should be made to drive those things.

If all a person can afford is a $2,000 vehicle, what would you prefer he drive: a new Tata, or a 20 year old Chevy that has been patched together over the years with duct tape? Those are the choices.

52 posted on 03/23/2009 9:45:40 AM PDT by PapaBear3625 (The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money -- Thatcher)
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To: Kirkwood
Commode race winner

Commode Race Winner

53 posted on 03/23/2009 9:51:57 AM PDT by myprecious
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To: Scanian

Do you have to say “Yaba-daba-do” when you start off, and how many steps do you get to the mile.


54 posted on 03/23/2009 9:55:11 AM PDT by OrioleFan (Republicans believe every day is the 4th of July, democrats believe every day is April 15)
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To: Scanian

It’s so small there calling it “the dot”


55 posted on 03/23/2009 10:09:13 AM PDT by since1868
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To: PapaBear3625
If all a person can afford is a $2,000 vehicle, what would you prefer he drive: a new Tata, or a 20 year old Chevy that has been patched together over the years with duct tape? Those are the choices.

-------------

I think you underestimate what $2000 can buy:

1990 Mercedes-Benz 420-Class 420SEL 4dr Sedan

Private Party Price $1537 (150,000 miles, "Clean" (2nd best) condition.

http://www.edmunds.com/used/1990/mercedesbenz/420class/14538/prices.html#

56 posted on 03/23/2009 10:26:16 AM PDT by Atlas Sneezed (Security sucks. I want my freedom back.)
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To: PapaBear3625
“If all a person can afford is a $2,000 vehicle, what would you prefer he drive: a new Tata, or a 20 year old Chevy that has been patched together over the years with duct tape? Those are the choices.”

Me I would drive a 2K used American car in a second before that death trap,these bargain deals have a way with expensive replacement parts and Labor for repairs.

57 posted on 03/23/2009 10:27:42 AM PDT by Cheetahcat (Osamabama the Wright kind of Racist!)
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To: PapaBear3625

Edmunds tells me that the dealer trade-in on a 19-year-old Chevy Cavalier is $58. Private party selling price is $211.

You’re off by a factor of 10.

Trade-in on a 1990 Corvette is about $2000.


58 posted on 03/23/2009 10:30:03 AM PDT by Atlas Sneezed (Security sucks. I want my freedom back.)
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To: Beelzebubba
Almost any $2K used car would be marvelously better.

Many used cars are in tip top shape these days and are a great value.

Some pundits say this is another spoke in the wheel killing new car sales.

Folks are realizing they can get a much better vehicle value used.

59 posted on 03/23/2009 12:18:54 PM PDT by norraad ("What light!">Blues Brothers)
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To: Vaquero
You mentioned HOOTERS first.


60 posted on 03/23/2009 12:57:35 PM PDT by Arrowhead1952 (It took almost 250 years to make the USA great and 30 days for "The Failure" BO to tear it down.)
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