Following last week's announcement that the Tata Nano would finally go on sale in India on March 23
, the Financial Times
is reporting today that Tata Motors has confirmed the European-spec Nano
will go on sale in Europe in 2011.
Tata Motors offered no pricing details on the car, which will be called the Nano Europa. Still, it goes without saying that the modifications required to get it up to European crash and emissions standards will push it past the Euro equivalent of $2,500.
We would wager, too, that plenty of comfort features will be added given the Nano Europa's different market positioning: Whereas the India-spec Nano is an alternative to commuting by moped or bicycle, minicars are everywhere in Europe and buyers aren't necessarily going to be impressed by absolute bare-bones transportation -- they've got choices.
Tata also announced that it would begin selling an electric version of the Indica Vista in Europe in 2012. It will have lithium-ion batteries and a range of about 124 miles.
Financial Times (sub.req)
greenpony says:
04:40 PM, 03/ 4/09
You obviously get what you pay for, but this has got to be one of the ugliest vehicles I've ever seen. There seems to be a rash of ugly new-car introductions. Here's what I can think of off the top of my head, including the Nano: Pontiac G8 ST, Cadillac CTS coupe, Chevy Spark, Nissan Cube, Porsche Panama+Panera, Acura TL. Heck, on looks alone, I'd take the new Taurus over any of these.
brn says:
01:46 PM, 03/ 5/09
For the price of a Nano, you could pick up a year 2000 used vehicle. The used vehicle will be safer, have more power, have more features, and probably be more reliable.
A $2500 car is neat, but it's not all that practical.
"European crash and emissions standards will push it past the Euro equivalent of $2,500."
I can see these things being pushed up to $4K-$5K by the time they're up to snuff. Too much money for what you get.
bbechtel16 says:
09:10 AM, 03/ 6/09
"We would wager, too, that plenty of comfort features will be added given the Nano Europa's different market positioning: Whereas the India-spec Nano is an alternative to commuting by moped or bicycle, minicars are everywhere in Europe and buyers aren't necessarily going to be impressed by absolute bare-bones transportation -- they've got choices."
So why try to make the Nano like all the choices they already have?