Tata Nano says tata to wait list

Finally consumers in India can get their hands on a Tata Nano microcar.

After production delays, due mainly to factory land and location controversies and a lot of hoopla the Nano is trickling into the eager hands of consumers via lottery, the first of over 200,000 orders. The car is marketed to replace bicycles, rickshaws, scooters and motorcycles. For the vast majority of consumers in India it is their first car.

The car which has an ugly duckling cute factor is spartan compared to other cars on the road such as Toyota Yaris and smart car. It does have three trim levels which like any other line of car gives more features as you move up. The powertrain in all trims is a small air cooled 2 banger with 4 speed stick shift which tops out around 65 mph and returns 50 mpg. Stopping is via four wheel drum brakes. Of course this car is $2,055 US dollars (base). For perspective this car is $1,944 cheaper than what a $3,999 Yugo GV sold for back in 1986 in the United States, even in 1986 money that was bargain basement.

The trim lines are Nano base, CX and LX. Moving through the trim lines adds things such as more color choices, delay wiper, rear headrests, A/C with heater (not on base), central door locks, locking passenger door (LX), wheel covers, reclining seats and nicer console with cigar lighter. Click here for a side by side comparison of trim levels.

Safety? Well lets just say ABS and air bags are not included/available at any price level. Interestingly enough, Nano is smart car like with larger rear/smaller front tires, P155 and P135 respectively for traction.

Many wonder will this little bugger make it to the United States? Probably if it does well in Europe first. There will have to be modifications of course. Airbags will have to be made standard and structural enhancements performed just to pass crash tests. A bigger engine with more power will be required so the car can venture onto Interstates. More standard features will be needed to add appeal like power steering. And a dealer network will have to be established. It would be interesting if they can keep the price around say, the $4,000 to $5,000 dollar range.

Questions persist. Will this car be bad for the environment even with emission controls and so many people slated to buy? Will Tata make money since car companies never see large profits on entry level cars? Will this be the first phase of Tata coming to America? Will this hurt them in terms of prestige since they own high end nameplates such as Jaguar and Land Rover?

http://www.examiner.com/x-6812-Newark-Alternative-Transportation-Examiner~y2009m7d17-Tata-Nano-says-tata-to-wait-list