Tata Nano, the sub-AU$3,000 car

By Staff writers on 11 January 2008

Ratan Tata set his engineers the task of building a car under 100,000 rupees to put his countrymen on four wheels. This and other highlights from the New Delhi Auto Expo.

The other Nano
You've undoubtedly heard of the iPod Nano, and may even have the tiny music player tucked in a pocket or hanging from a lanyard around your neck. You can't tote the Tata Nano that way, but New Delhi-based Tata Motors is hoping its new subcompact has as powerful an effect on the automotive market as Apple's iPod did in media gadgetry.

The most striking thing about the car, though, isn't its size. It's the price: about 100,000 rupees, or about AU$2,900. Tata's goal is to get the Nano in the driveways of Indian citizens who otherwise couldn't afford four-wheeled transportation. Hence the company's preferred description of the vehicle: the People's Car.

Credit: Kyodo

Topics: tata, nano, one lakh, fiat, 500, suzuki, chevrolet, car, motor, credit

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Comments (18)

  • southern shades commented on 19/09/2009 09:21 Report abuse

    to Bananabender: I had a Daihatsu Charade, GREAT car you dimwit.When the Tata becomes available I get one, it costs the same as a scooter. It's great for the city

  • AdamO commented on 14/09/2009 13:17 Report abuse

    no way would I buy this car,it will NOT be safe enough for our roads,good idea for Indian but not for here,we don't need a cheap and nasty car like that our government is pushing road safety and this car here will set it back years

  • I commented on 04/08/2009 22:37 Report abuse

    Nah...still rather buy a 1950's Fiat 500 over the nano and retro fit it with a geo metro powerplant.

  • melbsust commented on 27/07/2009 23:34 Report abuse

    I want to buy one in Melbourne, where I would buy it tomorrow!

  • Adi Iyer commented on 28/05/2009 20:24 Report abuse

    I think the main inspiration behind the tata nanao venture was fullfilling the aspirations of millions of Indians. The first and the foremost think which struck in my mind is the affordability. Nano car is very cheap and affordable.

    I look forward to buy one after the initial mad rush. I strongly feel that the company needs to re-look the whole car sale distribution channel and ensure that all get equal opportunity to buy atleast one car for a family.

    I hope that company will reach break even point within the span of two years.

  • maly commented on 23/05/2009 18:41 Report abuse

    So can anyone anwser WHEN it will be available in AUSTRALIA pls?

  • Anand commented on 04/04/2009 09:00 Report abuse

    I would buy this car provided it meets all the Australian safety stanards.

  • ladyo commented on 02/04/2009 13:22 Report abuse

    I would like buy two in australia.When its will be available?

  • janny commented on 28/03/2009 12:48 Report abuse

    hi we r intrested nano car . is it possible in melbourne and where can i get in india also. we need three car

  • cat commented on 26/03/2009 00:03 Report abuse

    at $2900... not such a bad idea for the retired/young/frugal to be getting to and from the grocery store, it would be cheaper than a taxi and faster than public transport. Also good as a second vehicle so you can keep the 6cylander at home unless you need to haul something. I look forward to seeing them in Australia for those people both money and environmentally conscious, who want a practical solution now & not in 15 years time.

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