Jun 17, 2009

A Tata in Your Future?

Bodacious? Maybe, but India-based Tata Motors has confirmed that it plans to market a version of its Nano minicar in the United States within three years. Speaking at a Cornell University forum, Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata said the Nano would arrive on U.S. shores within 30 months -- which is safely within the three-year timeframe we referred to in the previous sentence. 

Though some speculate the Indian automaker might sell the diminutive 65-mpg four-seater through its Jaguar or Land Rover dealerships, such an arrangement is extremely unlikely. In fact, it is much more likely that Tata Motors will enlist an out-of-the-box distribution method, such as selling the small car through Wal-Mart or Costco. Or perhaps offer the car free with the purchase of a set of Firestone snow tires. 

The recently introduced Nano is widely acknowledged to be the world’s cheapest new car, with a starting price in its native India the equivalent of $2,500. To be sold in the United States, it must meet all federal emissions and safety regulations, which might be a tall order while maintaining its low-price point. 

Previously, Tata Motors had announced that a European version of the Nano would go on sale in 2011. Even before its introduction in India, the Nano is proving to be so popular that the first 100,000 buyers are being chosen by lottery. (There is no truth to the rumor that if you don’t get chosen you’re considered to be a lottery “winner.”)