The idea behind it is, it’s safer than a moped with three people on it: Dad driving, kid on the handlebars, mom riding sidesaddle behind dad. That’s the target market.
The Tata Nano is of course for the market in India. I suspect it would fail so many of the safety and and emissions requirements of the US as to make our heads spin. But it is a great car for its intended market; it will be all over South and Southeast Asia, and China.
Anybody interested in the markets, innovations in design, etc. may want to check out the newish book, “Planet India.” This country is blazing away. And they are determined to cure their immense poverty at home as well as making it big on the international economic scene. Lord bless them.
Again, it’s from Mr. Tata’s talk at the debut, but you’re right, very impressive if true. They spent a fair bit of time, effort, and cash developing it. And it’s supposed to get something like 50mpg, due to low weight and tiny engine. Almost wish I could buy one here for my commute. Beats the 20mpg from my VW, and not much smaller.
What happens when millions of Indians each get one and then start driving? Traffic congestion, a raise in oil consumption, more global warming? This is a good thing?
#9, it is if you’re Indian and need transport. Just because they’re brown skinned and “quaint” doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a raise in living standards. I have no desire to keep my gas cheap by keeping billions of other people in poverty.
I think it’s still too big and too expensive and way too late by about 40 years. Check here for what the world really needs in a car. http://www.glumbert.com/media/tinycar
What is interesting is that a lot of new technology will be developed in India – including environmental technology. Indians are discussing the environmental impact already. But if they decide to begin to sell a version in the US with some greater environmental features, we might benefit.
At this price, drop your collision insurance. If you wreck it, don’t bother to get it fixed, just buy a new one.
On the other hand, at this size, better increase the coverage for your medical insurance.
The idea behind it is, it’s safer than a moped with three people on it: Dad driving, kid on the handlebars, mom riding sidesaddle behind dad. That’s the target market.
The Tata Nano is of course for the market in India. I suspect it would fail so many of the safety and and emissions requirements of the US as to make our heads spin. But it is a great car for its intended market; it will be all over South and Southeast Asia, and China.
Anybody interested in the markets, innovations in design, etc. may want to check out the newish book, “Planet India.” This country is blazing away. And they are determined to cure their immense poverty at home as well as making it big on the international economic scene. Lord bless them.
#3, the Nano is said to meet EU emissions and safety standards. I haven’t seen any third-party confirmation, but that’s what Tata is saying.
And #4, I agree, India is at a fascinating stage
Andrew717, if what you say is true, that is one great piece of engineering!
Again, it’s from Mr. Tata’s talk at the debut, but you’re right, very impressive if true. They spent a fair bit of time, effort, and cash developing it. And it’s supposed to get something like 50mpg, due to low weight and tiny engine. Almost wish I could buy one here for my commute. Beats the 20mpg from my VW, and not much smaller.
If I bought two, I’d have set of bodacious tatas….
What happens when millions of Indians each get one and then start driving? Traffic congestion, a raise in oil consumption, more global warming? This is a good thing?
If you hit a dog – you lose.
Still, maybe an advance on this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinclair_C5
#9, it is if you’re Indian and need transport. Just because they’re brown skinned and “quaint” doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a raise in living standards. I have no desire to keep my gas cheap by keeping billions of other people in poverty.
I could keep one in the glove compartment of my pickup truck; just as a spare.
I think it’s still too big and too expensive and way too late by about 40 years. Check here for what the world really needs in a car.
http://www.glumbert.com/media/tinycar
What is interesting is that a lot of new technology will be developed in India – including environmental technology. Indians are discussing the environmental impact already. But if they decide to begin to sell a version in the US with some greater environmental features, we might benefit.
But another interesting thing is afoot:
http://www.theoscarproject.org/
Everyone who appreciates that wonderfully quirky British humor needs to see the video linked by Dad Howe.