Worlds Cheapest Car ready to roll
57Interior
After months of deliberation finally some good news. Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata announced that Nano car is moving to Gujarat. The world's cheapest car and every person's dream to own a car may finally be true. This car is going to be sold for around $ 2000 dollars.
For months due to land acquisition issues in Singur (WB), India the project was on and off. But now the Gujarat government has finally clinched the deal with offers of land, tax benefits and other concessions. The first release would be about 250,000 units and eventually about a million units per year(By 2010). One of the biggest brains behind this project is Girish Wagh.
Some of the features of this car are as follows:
Besides the gasoline variant it is also having models which are eco-friendly i.e., using compressed-air as fuel and an electric-version. It has a 623 CC engine rear engine and rear wheel drive. Its estimated fuel economy is 61 MPG (Highway) and 51 MPG (City road) conditions. This car meets the Bharat Stage III & Euro IV emission standards.
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Comments
I guess Maharashtra lost out eventually to Gujarat in clinching the Nano project.
David,
It gives excellent mileage in city conditions and good for a second car. Also the price is so low I guess everyone can afford one.
Debonair,
Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka lost to Gujarat. They were able to allot the required land overnight which was crucial after WB experience.
Where I come from, maintaining a car is actually as expensive, if not more expensive than owning a car.
The installments and servicing would probably take up about $500-$750 per month. Then we have road tax, ERP (toll) and car park fees which can easily take up another $500-$750 per month. :(
Guess owning that cool car is going to have to wait a while.
I guess the public transportation must be really good or the govt discourages private ownership due to such high fees.
Very informative hub. Thanks for keeping us up on this. I doubt gas prices will ever drop very far again. I'm intrigued by the "compressed air" alternative.
Madison
It's a small place and the public transport system is great so you don't really need a car to get around. All cars brought into the country is highly taxed and there is a fixed quota of cars that can be put out onto the roads each month.
Even then, traffic jams are starting to be commonplace, and on one or 2 major roads, can extend into 10pm or later at night. :(
Madison,
Besides the regular gasoline version this car also has some of the eco friendly versions like compressed air. Here is a link to answer your question:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_car
David,
I guess if you have less than 5 minutes to the bus stop and high frequency of public transportation it maybe a better idea not to own a car. I was caught up in big a traffic jam when travelling from Baltimore to Washington DC. It's not fun driving at 5 mph (stopping and going). I like to just set the cruise on highways.
On the other hand India has a decent public transportation but still mostly people prefer personal transportation. Also the pride of ownership is stronger in India. I guess if very few have it(because of the way the govt's discourage in S'pore) then those who don't it doesn't mean they can't afford one. It's also eco friendly to not drive personal vehicle. My appartment to office distance is about half a mile but still use a car mostly instead of walking or bicycle. Getting so lazy... LOL
With the recent fare increases, taxis are now a breeze to flag down. And the train and bus station is just 5 min away. So I have no plans to get a car.
Half a mile to your office and you are driving? You should walk the distance. Good for the Earth and good for you. And there will be less smog in Washington, and you will save money, and you can enjoy the fresh air and smell the roses, and so many other good things about walking. :)
I love walking but some how end up getting up at the last moment plus like to come home for lunch. I know lots of lazy excuses to drive.... LOL. What to do america has spoiled me so much. I spend like 30-40$ a month on fuel which isn't much money at all. I do love to walk in trails that we have here, but that is on leisure time not when I am in hurry to go to office. Btw it does rain a lot in seattle hence I find it convenient to just get in and get out from car. I guess you are right I should walk more often and enjoy the beautiful roses.
Sometimes, it's life's simple pleasures that make it all worthwhile.
Gotta go now. It's 5 am. Need sleep. :)
Interesting hub. I wonder if that car would cost $2000 in the US ...Nothing is cheap here except shopping at Wal-Mart ..and sorry but everything is made in China. And that is beginning to go the same way. Good hub ..thanks for the info. My best to you.
Wow! I'd be scared someone would run me over in their hummer if I drove that around. Although parking would be a breeze. I'm going to stick to the trolleys of SF for transport for now...
gjcody,
They are going to come out with a version for US too by 2010. Hope they don't raise the prices by too much for US markets. I know the times are difficult but US still isn't the most expensive place compared to other countries in Europe or Asia.
jonaitis,
Don't worry the hummer brand itself is up for sale... LOL Once the elections are over the gas prices may go back up and everyone will start thinking seriously about economy cars. Even I feel once the safety is assured these cars are the future.
Cute Comfortable Convenient Cool Cost-effective Car :)
WOW!! So many C's C u tmw. Got to sleep now.
Nice hub!
Nice hub counrtywomen..but I dont agree with the public transport being good in India.Its a nightmare to even see it..all buses are jam packed with people hanging out too.The worst part is ,getting into a bus..you are jostled,pushed,stamped etc.and the bus will start off if you delay by a second too!
Laila,
What you say is true. I meant "decent" as not being good. And in recent years most of the states I have been have more public transportation in Special Buses (little extra fare) or Local trains in couple of cities which are not so congested.
Do you know how fast it will go? I am in the US and would love to get one depending on the speed and how far it will actually go before it needs to be recharged. I love these little cars.
hope they import it to the US
I think they have plans to export these cars from 2010.
cute car! :) is it safe?
I sure hope they do have all the safety features and are thoroughly tested before coming on to the road.
I was intrigued to hear the Nano called the *people's car* in the video. That is the meaning of Volkswagen. The early bare-bones beetle was designed with economy and efficiency in mind, and it quickly became wildly popular all over the world. I hope this new car has the same success.
Thumbs up for bringing us the news!
Sally- With a low price tag and decent features this car promises to be the entry level car for many people. And it comes from the house of Tata's who are known in India (now slowly the world over) for their hardwork and commitment in delivering quality products. Thanks for stopping by and glad to be sharing the news.
Hi. The car looks really small. How many people will it hold? :D
BeatsMe- You are right, it is a small car (may hold 4 adults). Thanks for stopping by.
wandererh says:
15 months ago
Looks good! The 623cc engine is a little small but should be enough for driving in the city.
I want one!