The news was buzzing lately about the cheapest car that would be available in India. It is called Nano, created by Tata Motors; the car is retailed at $2,500. The bare bones vehicle is a 4 door with only 3 gauges: gas gauge, speedometer and an odometer and runs at 55 miles per gallon. This sounds like it has potential. From the photo above, it looked like another version of the Smart Car.
Would that work in the United States? I would guess not.
First, the car needs to have product specification to meet the US government standards. The car was not originally designed for extreme conditions, it will need an air-condition, heater, defogger, etc. Those added specifications would jack the price up.
Assuming that with all the added specs that it is still the cheapest car sold in the US, the price most likely won't be far from, say, a KIA or a Hyundai. As a consumer myself, a car purchase is a big item purchase, it is something that I don't take lightly. I see the purchase as an investment. So, if I have to choose an unknown Nano versus a KIA, for a couple bucks more, I'll purchase a name brand that has been around.
How about if it is marketed as a "disposable" car? Although, a brand new car every 3 years and a cheaper option than a lease is tempting. This might have been too much luxury for me. They say that the true value of an item is when it works everytime you need it to work. Somehow, I am not sure if that car would even survive a nor'easter. I hate to be the one stranded in the middle of the road. I would not even try it.
Would that work in the United States? I would guess not.
First, the car needs to have product specification to meet the US government standards. The car was not originally designed for extreme conditions, it will need an air-condition, heater, defogger, etc. Those added specifications would jack the price up.
Assuming that with all the added specs that it is still the cheapest car sold in the US, the price most likely won't be far from, say, a KIA or a Hyundai. As a consumer myself, a car purchase is a big item purchase, it is something that I don't take lightly. I see the purchase as an investment. So, if I have to choose an unknown Nano versus a KIA, for a couple bucks more, I'll purchase a name brand that has been around.
How about if it is marketed as a "disposable" car? Although, a brand new car every 3 years and a cheaper option than a lease is tempting. This might have been too much luxury for me. They say that the true value of an item is when it works everytime you need it to work. Somehow, I am not sure if that car would even survive a nor'easter. I hate to be the one stranded in the middle of the road. I would not even try it.
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