Tech & Biz

Tata Nano Car: Why Isn't It Available in North America?

by LarryDeezell | August 20, 2009 at 12:49 pm

301 views | 0 Recommendations | 4 comments

The Nano car got lots of attention when it was announced for the Indian market as the world's cheapest car, but what are the reasons its not in the USA? Collision safety issues, not a very good highway vehicle, automakers and oil companies don't want Americans to have a cheap car

The biggest point in its favor is the price. At $2500 it is affordable to many Indian families. While I have no doubt the US version, which there won’t be would be $3500 to $4500 that is still affordable for most people.

So the main issues seem to be cost and safety: the automakers that currently sell cars in the US and Canada won't want that sort of competition, and, even if they did, the Nano would need a lot of redesigning to meet safety standards in North America.

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eastvanray

at 13:30 on August 20th, 2009

This car will never be allowed to be sold anywhere safety is a concern. It is a complete death trap. The wheel bearings are plastic and explode if you exceed 45 MPH. Do you see a safety bumper? That's because it has none. This is a golf cart with a roof. I wouldn't feel safe driving one on North American roads.

MSP (not verified)

at 04:09 on August 24th, 2009

The main issue seems to be cost. The crash testing shows Nano has no safety issues. The Nano has passed European crash testing with minor modification and is expected to get a 4 Star Euro NCAP safety rating, which is better than most small cars on sale in Europe. The modification is necessary because on a car as finely optimised for cost as the Nano, the Indian version was designed to meet Indian crash test standards with no extra cost added.It is probably capable of getting the highest possible 5 star rating in Europe (as the 2009 Fiat 500 has) if fitted with sufficient air bags and an electronic stability enhancement system. This would go against the Nano's barebones principles and put up the cost disproportionately though, so Tata has opted for 4 star with drivers air bag.Compare this with the much less safe Ford Ranger pickup, which only got a two star NCAP rating.www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdvEIMq6vGI&feature=relatedwww.euroncap.com/tests/ford_ranger_2008/342.aspxcompare with the Tata Nanowww.youtube.com/watch?v=zTkstHr57wQ&feature=related

Sham Naarai (not verified)

at 07:23 on September 7th, 2009

I want to reassure all USA, North American and South American Citizens that the NANO car is really a jewel in every sense of the word. It is technology advanced and has passed all Safety Tests for European standard!The main reason it is not yet available in the USA & North/South America is the competition it represents to domestic giants like GM, Chrysler etc. Common sense is enought o waive off the idea of insecurity simply by hinting at Bicycles and Motorcycles which are much more hazardous than a 4-wheeler like the Nano.Nano is definitely a Benchmark and Landmark in the automobile industry. And less polluting on top of that!I would humbly remind and suggest people around the world to be confident about the Nano.Remember! We have the Mini, the Fiat 500, the tiny Japanese mini cars etc. There is nothing either unusual or dangerous about the Nano. It is simply a hitherto exceptional and revolutionary concept. Longlive NANO!