Topic: Tata Motors to debut $2,500 car next month

[Allen]

Tata Motors to debut $2,500 car next month
RAJESH MAHAPATRA

The Associated Press

December 19, 2007 at 8:37 AM EST

NEW DELHI — India's Tata Motors plans to unveil its ultra-cheap $2,500 (U.S.) car at an auto show in New Delhi next month, the company said Wednesday.

Analysts believe the car may force other manufacturers to lower their own pricing.

While the price has created a buzz, critics say the vehicle will lead to millions more cars hitting choked Indian roads, adding to mounting air and noise pollution problems. Others have said Tata will have to sacrifice quality and safety standards to meet the price tag.

The four-door car, which will have a rear engine, is expected to go on sale in the later part of 2008, the company said in a statement.

Company chairman Ratan Tata has said the car will be the least polluting vehicle on the Indian roads and meet necessary safety standards.

Initially, the company plans to make between 250,000 to 500,000 of the cars each year, Tata told The Associated Press in a recent interview. While the base model will cost 100,000 rupees, the company will offer two variants with added features, he said.

German auto consulting firm CSM Worldwide has said the new car could help Tata Motors emerge as the country's largest manufacturer of cars and light commercial vehicles by 2013.

Currently, Tata Motors has a 17 per cent share of India's market.

Besides the ultra-cheap car, Tata Motors will also display several new cars that it plans to bring to the Indian market in collaboration with Italian auto maker Fiat Spa. The auto show in New Delhi opens Jan. 9.

[AVToller]

"Besides the ultra-cheap car, Tata Motors will also display several new cars that it plans to bring to the Indian market in collaboration with Italian auto maker Fiat Spa."

Fiat is involved to provide high reliability, I guess. 

[safristi]

Don't we have Enuf SECOND HAND CALF_ALEERS on the lots....?

[Mitlov]

Fiat is involved to provide high reliability, I guess. 

   What's next: Honda ensuring that the engine is torquey and Chrysler overseeing interior quality?

[Cortina]

Tata used to be know as Telco. It is one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the world and I think they are the No1 car manufacturer in India. These cars are going to be made mostly out of plastic. Good luck in a smash is all I can say the roads are looney out there. 

[AVToller]

Tata used to be know as Telco. It is one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the world and I think they are the No1 car manufacturer in India. These cars are going to be made mostly out of plastic. Good luck in a smash is all I can say the roads are looney out there. 

German auto consulting firm CSM Worldwide has said the new car could help Tata Motors emerge as the country's largest manufacturer of cars and light commercial vehicles by 2013.

Currently, Tata Motors has a 17 per cent share of India's market.

[safristi]

..Much ROOM fer EXPANSION............

[Cortina]

 

Currently, Tata Motors has a 17 per cent share of India's market.

Yes I read that. But I thought the 17 per cent fiqure was more about commercial side of business.

[safristi]

Good DEal it's at least $8,000 a BOOB here in Canada...........2 TaTa's Too expensive...that's why ya see alotta wimmen going round in Circles....at Xmas

[EV Dan]

"The four-door car, which will have a rear engine, is expected to go on sale in the later part of 2008, the company said in a statement.

Company chairman Ratan Tata has said the car will be the least polluting vehicle on the Indian roads and meet necessary safety standards."

I bet if they use a NEW two stroke 50cc it may actually become "least polluting"

[safristi]

 Ratan TaTa...................is he related to Rin Tin BRICK.................do NOT pay till 2009.............The idea is great but will these lil "ricketyshaws" stand up to the abuse and streets in INDIA??