Would you pay $10,000 for a Tata Nano?

If founder Ratan Tata has his way, it’s a question we may be asking in three years. At this week’s New Delhi auto show, the Indian automaker head confirmed he’s considering selling the über-cheap Nano in the U.S., following a possible launch in Europe in 2011.

"We also recognize there is a market (for the Nano) not only in developing countries, but possibly in the developed countries," Tata said in an Automotive News report.

While the Nano, above, can be had in its home market for as little as US $2,500, a European version with cleaner emissions and more safety (bumpers, airbags), entertainment (iPod jacks), comfort (air conditioning) and convenience (rear defroster) features is expected to cost more like US $8,000 to $10,000.

Even at that price, the five-door hatch Nano is no sales slam dunk. It only has a 35 hp, rear-mounted 0.6-litre two-cylinder engine and a four-speed manual.

While most stripper subcompacts can be had in the $13,000 range, Hyundai will still sell you an Accent for under $10,000 if you have the cash. And it’s a “real” car.

The other threat to the Nano’s success debuted this week at the New Delhi show: Toyota, Honda and Ford all unveiled their own super-cheap, low cost new models. Plus other automakers are working on low-cost cars for North America as well.

Can’t see why they wouldn’t or couldn’t be sold here in a few years if people really want these types of cars.

Do you think the Nano could be a success in Canada?

Or is it doomed to go down in history as a short term novelty, like the original Hyundai Pony or Ladas that once flourished here?

[Source: Automotive News]

Comments

[Bhaskar]

Sorry John, Ratan Tata is not the founder of Tata Motors. Check the facts before you print. And the boffins at Tata Motors arent that stupid to price it at 10,000 $ or 20,000$.

[Guy]

I think you'll see as many Nano's as you see smart cars...not many. Although the cheaper price tags will likely entice some.

[Cobra King]

I really appreciate your sense of humour here John, but that 35HP engine wouldn't be sufficient enough to back out of a driveway on a snow covered day! I've heard SMART car owners complain about winter driving and highway driving and it's WAY more car than the Nano'll ever be.

[Randy]

Would you pay $10,000 for a Tata Nano?
No.

If I wanted a runabout I'd go with a Honda Fit. Far more practical. It costs 40% more (starts at $14K I think) but its worth it, since you get more than 3x the horsepower and a fun to drive personality.

[John Frewen-Lord]

Really cheap cars (in every sense of the word - and the Nano is cheap like you wouldn't believe) only work in third world countries, where there was no indigenous car manufacturing previously, and where such cars are designed to replace the horse and cart, or a small motorcycle (on which a family of four, a couple of chickens and a few lengths of lumber are precariously balanced, all at the same time). These cars simply do not compete in mature markets like Canada, Europe or the US. If you cannot afford the cost of even the cheapest of today's new cars, then go for say a three year old 'proper' car, for the same money as a new Nano.