India’s Tata Motors on Monday launched the world’s cheapest car, the Nano, hoping to revolutionise travel for millions and buck a slump in auto sales caused by the global economic crisis.
Company boss Ratan Tata said the no-frills vehicle, slated to cost just 100,000 rupees (2,000 dollars) for the basic model, will get India’s middle-class urban population off motorcycles and into safer, affordable cars.
“I think we are at the gates of offering a new form of transport to the people of India and later, I hope, other markets elsewhere in the world,” he said, describing the launch as a “milestone.”
Tata’s most interesting car isn’t the Nano, but the compressed air car slated for prototype production in 2010 and market introduction in 2011.
In theory you could have a solar-powered compressor at home (PVs) and use that air for commuting without polluting.
Shares of Tata can be purchased in America and trade as ‘TTM’
Of course you will never be able to get one in the US. In order to make is so cheaply they left out a lot of the safety features US cars are required to have. Come to think of it, as you can’t get it in the US, that’s the ultimate safety feature. I think the cheapest Smart car is about 12-13K.
Why do these ‘cheap cars’ never have a trunk? Do they think no one will take the family on a shopping trip? No room for purchases AND people.
Go back to the drawing board!
Jim E.