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Tata unveils super-cheap, super-compact car

By Rain Noe - January 11, 2008

in Object Culture

That there is the Tata Nano, the spiritual successor to the original Volkswagen Beetle. With manual steering, a sub-one-liter engine and wheels the size of dinner plates, the "People's Car" from India was designed not for aggresive performance, but for aggressive economy.

How aggressive? The Nano gets 50 miles to the gallon and will retail for roughly $2,500--the same price as the DVD player option on a new Lexus, as one reviewer drolly noted.

While the diminutive car will most likely not meet U.S. and European safety standards, it wasn't designed to compete with cars in those markets; it was designed for people whose previous form of transportation was connected to their ankles. Tata expects an annual demand of one million cars. As the so-called "other half" gains access to automobiles, what will be the impact on the transportation design field?

via bbc news

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Vasant Akolkar

16 years ago

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At last there will be an end to 4-5 (family) people riding a two wheeler on Indian roads where safety is 2nd priority. Well done Ratanbhai Tata. God bless you.
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Will

16 years ago

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If the Tata could do a version for the EU and sell it for under 4 grand I would buy one and pimp it. Very good looking car considering the brief and the deluxe version does nearly 70 MPH
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paul sandip

16 years ago

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This would make a good alternative to the auto-rikshaws seen on Indian roads...may be...
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vishal

16 years ago

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" people whose previous form of transportation was connected to their ankles " I think you need to give more respect to the the worlds 2nd largest bike market in the world and its popular mode of transport.Moreover travelling by bike is the cleverest and more enviornment frieldy rather than travelling by gas guzzling SUVs. The TATA motors Nano is a very clever attempted vehicles which tries to bridge gap between two wheeler owners and car owners.In addition Tara motors as it launches the $ 2500 for so called "other half of market " is also in final phase over aquision of Jaguar and Land rover brands. I think you should do your homework proper before posting blogs and travel more.
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Ken J

16 years ago

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I'm actually worried by this. I'd have hoped to see a more unique solution to India's problems than a cheap American automobilia approach.
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yamir

16 years ago

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"...people whose previous form of transportation was connected to their ankles"

I think its time for you to get a subscription of Forbes.
National Geographic cannot be the only place you can learn about other cultures. Not all of us ride a bullock cart or an elephant.
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JP Design

16 years ago

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One of the main catalysts behind the creation of the nano was that the owner of tata was tired of seeing entire families holding on for dear life on mopeds. This gives them a wonderful all weather alternative.
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