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Automotive News & Views The Tata Nano, India's $2,500 Car
133 messages, Last post on Sep 08, 2009 at 8:20 AM
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2009 Tata Nano First Drive - First Impressions: Not ready for life in America, but a real car nonetheless.(more)
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I think the LX, which features A/C and power front windows, could find a niche market in North America. Of course, it would need to be modified to meet our safety and emissions laws. Since that would increase the weight, it would require a bigger engine (900-1,000 cc, maybe. I think a U.S. version should have enough power to achieve a top speed of ~70-75, similar to the old Beetle. This could be the right car for people who drive mainly locally. Some would argue that a used compact would be even better. Maybe, but then you could also argue that a used intermediate is preferable to a compact, and... I don't know how much U.S. specs would affect mileage or cost, but it would probably still be viable. |
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| was initially saying that they won't be exporting the Nano to the U.S., but now they're saying it's a decent possibility. The car will need at least a 1.3L 4-banger, Tato can do this. I think it would sell relatively well to those who want an upper-level golf cart for urban getting around. The price will appeal to many people. Even if the American sales price MSRP is around $5,995. | |
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ILuv - I agree with you. There might be a niche market for an upscale Nano (upscale for a Nano, that is) with good air conditioning, and the back seat replaced with easily accessible storage space. I agree with the idea of a "golf cart substitute" vehicle for the booming retirement communities.... where you don't really need a highway vehicle but do need something in which to drive the grocery store. These folks would almost never carry 4 people... they'd use the Grand Marquis that sits in the garage for that... So it would require some redesign, replacing the rear seats with grocery storage space... and maybe a vertical golf bag holder too! |
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here in the little Arizona town I live in, an older gentleman drives a golf cart to the nursing home pert-near every day to visit his wife. There are a handful of guys in this town who motivate around in these golf carts. They do get off to the right side of the road so you can pass them. Top speed is limited here anyway-the roads are not in good shape overall. But the Tato Nano could be something that would sell with retiring boomers who just need a medicine or grocery getter, yes. I would not expect a higher price than $5,995 from Nano for the refinements forementioned, either, or Tato will price themselves out of business with the Nano in America.
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Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Apr 05, 2009 1:28 pm)
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as to speed and place they would be legal, indeed. But they still could impose their crashworthiness sanctions on Tato, huh, and the Nano would be hard-pressed to comply. And yes, then the price would go up, speed go down, fun-quotient down, type of roads allowed on, etc. Very annoying but that is how it works. I think these old dudes have special City of Willcox/Cochise County passes, though, here, for their golf carts, and they know where they can and can not ride in them. So I think the idea remains an open one for Nano to shoot for, don't you? The Nano has an ICE and the golf cars are electric, so classifications are different from the get-go.
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Replying to: iluvmysephia1 (Apr 05, 2009 1:45 pm) |
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Replying to: gagrice (Apr 05, 2009 1:39 pm) ...and cost about $16K!!!
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Replying to: lemko (Apr 06, 2009 6:56 am)
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Replying to: gagrice (Apr 06, 2009 9:05 am) |
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