Renault and Nissan’s CEO Carlos Ghosn is still betting big on the ultra low-cost car segment and reaffirmed that the group will have a Tata Nano competitor, in a partnership with Bajaj Auto, by 2011. Speaking at the India Economic Summit, Ghosn said that the compact car is still a goal not only in India, but even globally and the three partners were working to get one on the road by two years.

“The entry price point, which will be $2,500 is still very important for the market, not only for India, but also for lot of emerging markets,” Ghosn said. “We have to bring in the car with basic feature, basic functionality at a very affordable price.”

In earlier press release, Nissan said that “initial planned capacity will be 400,000 units per year. Sales will start in early 2011 in India, as a primary market, with growth potential in other emerging markets around the world.

“I know that some of our competitors like Tata has already put the car in the market … its moving on. We will continue to work to bring in this car (with Bajaj) into the market,” Ghosn said.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: The Economic Times

According to a report by the Business Standard, Tata Motors may let other local car assemblers build its Nano and sell it as their own brand. Vice Chairman Ravi Kant said that Tata is considering allowing assemblers to set up a micro-assembly sites across the country to produce about 10,000 Nanos a year.

“We call it Nano, they don’t have to,” Kant as said.

The Nano began selling in India in July and since, Tata has sold 7,500 units in the past three months. The Indian automaker is building a dedicated facility for the Nano with an annual capacity of 250,000 units. The facility is expected to be ready at the end of March.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

Tata Motors is planning to increase production of its Nano minicar, a senior official told reporters Monday.

“In the last three months, we have been averaging about 2,500 Nano’s per month,” said Rajiv Dube, head of the company’s passenger car business. ”We are gearing up for a higher number and we are ramping up our production capacity by 20 percent from this month.”

He said that after the increase, sales will be more than 3,000 units per month. Pricing for the Tata Nano starts at $1,983 at current exchange rates. There are rumors of the Nano coming to the United States by late 2011.

Click here to read more Tata Nano news.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

According to newly appointed vice president of international operations Nick Reilly, GM is considering a Tata Nano competitor for emerging markets. Reilly said that GM has plans to build a small car in Asia that would be sold for under $5,000.

“It’s definitely a segment that is interesting, and something that every manufacturer is looking at,” said spokesman Johan Willems. ”In response to a question about the Tata Nano, Nick basically said the Nano was a vehicle that was developed at a very low cost point for the Asian market and we are also interested in those kinds of vehicles,” Willems told Automotive News.

The Tata Nano is considered the world’s cheapest car.

During the first six months of 2009, nearly two-thirds of GM’s sales come from outside of North America.

- By: Kap Shah

As we come close to wrap up the day, it’s time for our Miscellaneous Thoughts post with some of random findings and our update of the 2009 Nissan 370Z that we’re test driving this week.

2009 Nissan 370Z Test-Drive Update: We’ve had the 2009 Nissan 370Z for 4 days now and we have absolutely fallen in love with the car. The 2009 370Z is lighter, smaller, faster and a lot more refined than its predecessor. Check out the interior shot that we’ve posted. Ask us some question and we’ll be sure to get everything answered for you while we drive 370Z. Stay in touch people.

CNNMoney’s 5-Great Deals on U.S. Wheels: When you hear ‘Detroit,’ you may think bust and bailout. But look past the headlines to find nice prices on sharp cars. – CNNMoney

Tata Nano to be used as taxi cabs?: An AutoCar editor recently had a conversation with his Indian cricket teammate who said “a considerable amount of orders for the Tata Nano were from people who will use it as a taxi to start up their own business with.” At $1,983 – it’s not a bad business investment. – AutoCar

- By: Omar Rana

Tony Stark spied driving Audi R8 Spyder: Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) was spied driving to work in his brand new Audi R8 Spyder, which will make its official debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Power comes from a 525-hp V10 taking the R8 Spyder from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 180 mph. – AutoExpress

First Tata Nano owner takes delivery: Ratan Tata handed over the keys to the first owner of the Tata Nano. – Ashok Raghunath Vichare of Mumbai. “I hope the Tata Nano will bring motoring pleasure to those who will be buying their first car as also those who currently own cars but want a modern, contemporary, emission-friendly city car,” said Tata. – Indian Autos Blog

House approves bill to stop dealer closings: As reported yesterday dealers have been lobbying Congress for its support claiming that the government and the automakers ignored state franchise laws by breaking dealer contracts as part of their restructuring. The House approved a spending bill yesterday that includes a provision to reverse the closing of 789 Chrysler dealers and the planned closing of more than 2,000 GM dealers. – Detroit News

- By: Omar Rana

Hybrid drivers get more traffic tickets than gasoline-powered car drivers: According to a study conducted by California-based Quality Planning Corporation, drivers of hybrid vehicles are more likely to get a traffic ticked or into a collision than gasoline powered vehicles. Seems odd right? But it makes a little sense when you look at the statistics side of it. Quality Planning Corporation says that most hybrid drivers live in urban settings with more traffic. The firm also said that hybrid owners drive 25 percent more than gasoline powered car owners since they are a little too mpg happy. – AllCarsElectric

Yes – it’s time for some random things we’ve come across today on the internet as we come closer to wrapping up this Tuesday.

Tata Nano passes European crash tests: The very small and very cheap Tata Nano has passed the European front and side impact standard crash tests. The crash tests included a 40 percent offset and a 35 mph frontal impact. The tests are also tougher than those that exist in India, currently the Nano’s only market. – AutoCar

Study finds that Americans plan to keep their cars longer: A study conducted by AutoPacific found that Americans intend on keeping their cars longer as concern grows about the industry and the overall economy. AutoPacific said that the number of new car shoppers planning to keep their cars for more than 4-years has gone up to 59 percent, compared to 45 percent from the year before. The study found that more than 72 percent of the general public is not planning to buy a new car for more than a year. – AutoWeek

Chrysler Financial repay $1.5 billion to U.S. government:  Chrysler Financial said today that it has repaid $1.5 billion in loans that it had received from the U.S. Treasury Department to fund loans and incentive programs for Chrysler shoppers. – Reuters

- By: Stephen Calogera

So it’s no secret that Tata Motors wants to sell its $1,983 Tata Nano in the United States. CEO Ratan Tata told us that the Nano has to meet “rear-crash tests” in the U.S. for which ”redesigning is necessary, and will take 3 years.” It was even reported last week that the U.S. could get the Nano by 2011.

So how will the Nano come to the U.S. when Tata Motors has no presence in the U.S. whatsoever? According the New York Times, the new Fiat/Chrysler alliance could be the answer for Ratan Tata and his goal to sell the Nano in the United States.

Fiat and Tata share many joint ventures and Tata helps Fiat sell its car in India, Tata’s hometown. The two companies also share a giant factory in India and Tata helps Fiat develop a pickup truck.

Also, Sergio Marchionne has routinely said that he hopes to introduce a budget model in Fiat’s range of vehicles.

It seems like the Nano could come to the U.S. carrying a Fiat or Chrysler badge – but we wouldn’t count on it just yet.

Tata Nano:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: NYT

It’s finally Friday and as we take a break from speeding around in our press vehicle of the week, the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP, we’re taking some time out to bring you a few random findings from the egmCarTech editor’s desk (or the egmCarTech’s table at the local Starbucks if you will).

Top Gear destroys a Mitsubishi EVO with the British Army: We’re pretty excited to see what Top Gear has in store for season 13 and it seems like Clarkson is up to no good again. This time, Clarkson teamed up with the British Army to destroy a Mitsubishi EVO. While our feelings are hurt, we can’t wait to see the reasoning behind this one. – Mitsubishi Lancer Register (via AutoBlog)

Tata plans on bringing the Nano to the United States: Earlier this year, Tata finally unveiled the production version of the much anticipated $1,983 Tata Nano. At that time, CEO Ratan Tata told us that the Nano has to meet “rear-crash tests” in the U.S. for which ”redesigning is necessary, and will take 3 years.” Well, it seems like Tata is making progress. Europe will get their Nano in 2011 and we’re now scheduled to get it in about 2 years. Note: Please give the 37-hp Nano drivers some time to take off from the red-light when they come to the United State. – AutoWeek

Bill Clinton says Brazil must save forests in its ethanol push: Former U.S. President Bill Clinton said that the world is well aware of the benefits of using ethanol as a fuel source, such as 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emission when compared to gasoline. However, Clinton says that Brazil should worry about ranchers and farms from cutting further into forests before it starts exporting large amounts of ethanol. – Reuters

- By: Omar Rana

Tomorrow is April 30th. To many it’s just another day on the calendar but to us and Chrysler, it is the deadline for the Aurburn Hills automaker set by the Obama administration to restructure and partner with Fiat.

Obama to announce Chrysler bankruptcy tomorrow:  Obama plans to announce tomorrow that Chrysler will be placed into Chapter 11 bankruptcy. A report by Bloomberg said that following a short bankruptcy, Chrysler will form an alliance with Fiat. – Bloomberg

Nardelli finally talks: The other day we were wondering why Chrysler’s CEO hasn’t spoken to the media with the April 30th deadline just around the corner. Today, Bob Nardelli told the Associated Press that Chrysler is progressing towards meeting the government’s restructuring requirements. Anyone else think Nardelli’s always political with his answers? – MSNBC

“I’m encouraged by this progress and I want you to know I deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by so many constituents to help us reach the restructuring targets established by the government.”

Tata Nano waiting list could stretch for years to come: Who would’ve thought that a waiting list for a 35-hp minicar could go head-to-head with the likes of Lamborghini, Ferrari and Aston Martin. Roughly 1 million customers throughout India have signed up to buy the $1,983 Nano. – Inside Line

Honda suspends business travel due to… you guessed it – Swine Flu: Honda has canned all global business trips for its employees. The suspension will be in place until May 6. – AutoCar

- By: Omar Rana

Tata Motors has announced that it has received a total of 500,000 booking forms for the Nano through 30,000 outlets in India. Tata has reportedly generated at total of 15 crore ($3 million USD) from the sales of forms. Each form sold for 300 Rs ($6 USD).

The sales of forms started on April 1, bookings began on April 9 and close on April 25. After April 25, Tata will pick 100,000 winners at random. Deliveries will begin starting July.

Tata has teamed up with a couple of financiers including SBI, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Punjab National Bank to make booking and financing easier.

The 35-hp Tata Nano carries a price tag of $1,983.

Tata Nano:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: indianautosblog

This week, the world saw the world’s cheapest car being unveiled in India. Starting at 100,000 rupees ($1,983 USD), the Tata Nano will be available in 1,000 cities in India starting April 9th. But will the Nano ever come to the U.S.?

Our friend Shrawan of IndianAutosBlog attended the press event live and pitched our question to Mr. Ratan Tata himself. According to Tata, the Nano has to go through some design changes to meet ferderal-safety requirements. He said that the changes to make the Nano street-legal for the U.S. will take about three years

“Within 3 years we are looking to re-engineer the car to met U.S requirements,” said Tata. “If the pricing is right after all the modifications are done, we will sell it in the U.S. ”Given present indications of buying preferences in the U.S., we think we can develop the European Nano for the U.S.”

Tata said that the Nano has to meet “rear-crash tests” in the U.S. for which ”redesigning is necessary, and will take 3 years.”

There you have it. 

Make the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Live from India: Tata Nano:

All pictures Copyright Shrawan Raja of IndianAutosBlog for eGMCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

The Tata Nano is finally here and to be the first lucky owners of the ultra-cheap Nano, one must win a lottery. Tata Motors said today at the Nano’s launch in India that applications forms for 100,000 rupees ($1,983 USD) will be available in 1,000 cities starting April 9th. Following that, a computer will make a random selection and will decide the owners of the first 100,000 units.

Power for the Tata Nano comes from a 2-cylinder engine making 35-hp with a peak torque of 35 lb-ft. That allows for a top speed of 65 mph with an estimated fuel-economy of 23.6 km/liter (56 mpg).

The Tata Nano will be available in three trim-levels at launch including Standard, CX and LX. The standard version features three color options, single-tone seats, fold-down rear-seat but no air-conditioning. The Tata Nano CX gets five color options, heating and air-conditioning, two-tone seats, booster-assisted brakes and fold-down rear-seat with nap rest. The Nano LX gets everything from the CX plus central locking, front power windows, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holders and a rear spoiler.

As for safety, Tata Motors says that the Nano’s “safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements – it passes the roll-over test and offset impact, which are not regulated in India.”

Follow the jump for the press release.

Tata Nano:

Press Release:

The Tata Nano Arrives

Tata Motors today announced the commercial launch of the Tata Nano, keenly awaited across India since its unveiling on January 10, 2008. The Tata Nano is BS-III* compliant and comes with an all-new 2-cylinder aluminium MPFI 624 cc petrol engine mated to a four-speed gear box and will be available in three variants. The cars will be on display across the country at Tata Motors Passenger Car dealerships and other select authorised outlets from April 1st.

Speaking at a Press Conference, the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, said, “The Nano represents the spirit of breaking conventional barriers. From the drawing board to its commercial launch, the concept, development and productionisation of the car has overcome several challenges. It is to the credit of the team at Tata Motors that a car once thought impossible by the world is now a reality. I hope it will provide safe, affordable, four-wheel transportation to families who till now have not been able to own a car. We are delighted in presenting the Tata Nano to India and the world.”

The Tata Nano is currently being manufactured at the company’s Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand in limited numbers. The new dedicated plant, at Sanand in Gujarat, will be ready in 2010 with an annualised capacity of 350,000 cars.

THE THREE VARIANTS

The Tata Nano offers an incredibly spacious passenger compartment which can comfortably seat four adults. With a length of just 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, the Tata Nano has the smallest exterior footprint for a car in India but is 21% more spacious than the smallest car available today. A high seating position makes ingress and egress easy. Its small size coupled with a turning radius of just 4 metres, makes it extremely manoeuvrable in the smallest of parking slots.

The three trim levels and their key features available at launch are:

Tata Nano Standard (BSII* and BSIII*): The standard version, in three colour options, single-tone seats, and fold-down rear seat;

Tata Nano CX (BSII* and BSIII*): In five colour options, with heating and air-conditioning (HVAC), two-tone seats, parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes, fold-down rear seat with nap rest;

Tata Nano LX: (BSIII*) With the features of CX plus complete fabric seats, central locking,  front power windows, body coloured exteriors in three premium colours, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holder in front console, mobile charger point, and rear spoiler. Many of these features are not available on current entry-level small cars in the country.

PERFORMANCE & SPECIFICATIONS

Performance: The 2-cylinder engine – delivering 35 PS @ 5250 rpm and a torque of 48 Nm @ 3000 rpm – enables the car to have a top speed of 105 kmph and negotiate inclines with a gradeability of 30%.

Fuel efficiency: 23.6 km/litre, certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) under mandated test conditions, which is the highest for any petrol car in India.

Emission: The high fuel efficiency, coupled with a low kerb weight of 600 kg, ensures that the Tata Nano – at 101 gm / km – has the lowest CO2 emission amongst cars in India. The Tata Nano is BS-III* compliant and is BS-IV* ready. It is also available in BS-II* norms.

Safety: The Tata Nano’s safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements – it passes the roll-over test and offset impact, which are not regulated in India. It has an all sheet-metal body, reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, besides mandatory seat belts and complies fully with existing Indian safety standards. Tubeless tyres – among which the rear ones are wider endowing extra stability – enhance safety.

Warranty: 18 months or 24,000 km, whichever is earlier.

- By: Kap Shah

Tata today unveiled the new Nano Europa which will the international Nano model. Just like the original Tata Nano, the Nano Europa is powered by a 3-cylinder engine making 33-hp. It will be mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission and electric power steering.

The Tata Nano Europa will offer class-leading fuel-economy at 60 mpg.

Tata says that the Nano Europa meets all safety regulations with enhanced safety features including an all sheet-metal body, advanced restraint systems, ABS, ESP and Air Bags.

Click through for Tata’s press release.

2009 Geneva Motor Show: Tata Nano Europa:

Press Release:

Tata Nano Europa, for future launch in international markets,
displayed at 79th Geneva Motor Show

Tata Motors today presented at the 79th Geneva Motor Show the Tata Nano Europa, intended for a future launch in select international markets. The company has also displayed the Tata Prima, a concept luxury sedan, and the Tata Indica Vista EV, an electric vehicle based on the award-winning new generation Tata Indica Vista.

Speaking on the occasion at the Geneva Motor Show, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, said, “In India, the Nano will be launched on March 23, and the cars will be on display at company dealerships from the first week of April. The Nano has also generated wide interest in developed countries, since its unveiling in Delhi and its presentation here last year. We are delighted to present the Nano Europa for future launch in such markets. The Indica Vista EV represents the work of Tata Motors on alternate technologies, while the Prima is an iteration of a luxury sedan we will introduce. They together signify the ongoing evolution in our cars.”

Tata Nano Europa

With a length of 3.29 metres and width of 1.58 metres, the Tata Nano Europa continues to be stylishly petite but surprises with its spacious interior and generous leg space. The slightly longer wheelbase of 2.28 metres combines excellent space and manoeuvrability, further improving on the benchmark standard set by the Tata Nano. The enhanced spaciousness is complemented by redesigned interiors, marked by smooth curves and a high tech yet gentle feel.

To meet the driving needs of its target customers, the Tata Nano Europa will be powered by a 3-cylinder sporty all-aluminium MPFI engine matched with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and electric power steering. The gasoline engine will be class-leading, providing high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission of less than 100 gm / km meeting the twin goals of being environmentally friendly and stylish – just like the Tata Nano.

The Tata Nano Europa meets all safety regulations. In addition to the all sheet-metal body, its energy absorbing design, use of advanced restraint systems, ABS, ESP and Air Bags will enhance passenger safety.

Just like the Tata Nano, the Tata Nano Europa incorporates exterior compactness with interior comfort and seeks to provide motorists the pleasure and utility of personal mobility combined with affordability and environment-friendliness, in a world where smaller, fuel-efficient cars are emerging as a preferred choice.

After problems with the main plant location delayed the launch which was originally scheduled for Oct., Tata said today that its much anticipated Tata Nano mini car will be launched on March 23 with sales to begin in the second week of April. Pricing for the Tata Nano is expected to come in around 100,000 rupees ($1,984 USD).

“The cars will be on display at Tata dealerships from the first week of April,” the company said in a statement.

Power for the Tata Nano comes from a small 624cc 33-hp engine that allows for a 0 to 60 mph run 17 seconds. Fuel-economy is estimated at 60 mpg. 

Source: Reuters

While our friends at CAR Magazine didn’t get to drive the new and upcoming Nano from Tata Motors, they did get to sit in the passenger-seat of the 33-hp four-door, 5-seater. 33-hp? You’re probably thinking that with that much power the Nano probably rides like… well like crap.

According to CAR, the car feels much like a proper car – even with four adults aboard. The 624cc 33-hp engine is pretty small but allows the Nano to go from 0 to 60 mph in a whopping 17 seconds while returning an outstanding fuel-economy figure of 60 mpg.

The $2,500 Tata Nano doesn’t offer much; air-conditioning, radio and alloy wheels will all be offered as upgrades. However, CAR says that the prototype they rode in was pretty much standard and offered a very comfortable ride. The Nano will be able to accommodate one six-footer seated behind another.

How safe is the Nano? Not very safe at all, although it will be safer than a bike or scooter which is the market Tata Motors is going after.

CAR says that Tata engineers are working on a range of upgrades including airbags, anti-lock brakes, power steering, a more powerful 3-cylinder gasoline and diesel engine, and a 5-speed automatic gearbox (it currently carries a 4-speed manual).

Source: CAR

Tata Motors Nano city-car is one of the most talked about compact vehicles in the auto industry today. Today we learned that Tata may team up with Fiat to sell the Nano outside of India. We also learned that the Indian automaker is teaming up with German powertrain maker FEV for a diesel version of the Nano.

According to The Economic Times , the small diesel engine will have fuel injection systems developed by Bosch, with the rest of it put together by Tata and FEV. FEV is also working with Tata’s rival Mahindra and Mahindra for an electric-diesel hybrid version of the Scorpio.

Tata has previously said that it will offer a diesel and a hybrid version of the Nano after the gasoline version is introduced next year. The gasoline version is powered by a 33-hp engine with a rear-wheel-drive architecture – averaging 52/61mpg (city/highway).

Source: Economic Times