Cheap Indian Ride

[tris91ricer]

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/07/business/car.php

A new car for under 3k?

[evolutionmovement]

In India. This is an alternative for people who ride mopeds in chaotic, pollution-choked, overcrowded streets. That said, Tata is picking up Jaguar/Land Rover and has a licensing agreement with Fiat to build cars. They're talking Alfa Romeo sharing upscale rwd platforms with Jag. With the LR distribution network in the US it may be a sweet deal for Alfa's US return, leaving a nice large opening for an interesting, attractive car in a crowded market of premium, but less-exclusive-than-Toyota Germans.

[SubaruNation]

wtf is this the same tata that does software development?
i just got an internship with these guys here in the zoo

[n2x4]

wtf is this the same tata that does software development?
i just got an internship with these guys here in the zoo

I was just asking the same question. I work for a software company and tata was gunning for a contract we bid on. I think they won too. They promised on the fly development.

[n2x4]

Found a pic of it:

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007 ... 59654.html

[SubaruNation]

wtf is this the same tata that does software development?
i just got an internship with these guys here in the zoo

I work for a software company

i'll let you know when i graduate

[AWD_addict]

For example, Tata chose wheel bearings that are strong enough to drive the car up to 70 kilometers, or 45 miles, an hour, but will suffer wear and tear above that speed, reducing the car's life span but never threatening consumer safety, according to Taneja.

Anyone else seen the Jeremy Clarkson special where he goes to India and learns about their insanely dangerous roads?

I predict deaths, since the whole thing is probably really flimsy.

[evolutionmovement]

That's probably a bonus in such an overcrowded country.

[Subtle]

Good looking micro car + +

[SubaruNation]

That's probably a bonus in such an overcrowded country.

ha ha ha totally true
they should make as many of these as possible

better yet, the government should subsidize them

[evolutionmovement]

We all should - too many people, too much pollution, too little resources and space. Invest in raw materials and precious metals if you can.

[beatersubi]

That's probably a bonus in such an overcrowded country.

ha ha ha totally true
they should make as many of these as possible

better yet, the government should subsidize them

That and the whole 'reverse the walk/don't walk signs' thing. The overpopulation and the 'global warming' problems would be cured.
I deserve a gold star. Or something.

[SubaruNation]

here ya go!

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uh.... so yeah
kinda special ed. but it does the job

That and the whole 'reverse the walk/don't walk signs' thing.

i've never heard of this?

[entirelyturbo]

I'm bringing this back up.

I didn't pay much attention when I first saw this, but maybe I should have.

I'm shocked at the attention this thing is getting from respected automotive designers. Robert Cumberford from Automobile Magazine. Giugiaro. The CEOs of GM, BMW, Renault-Nissan, Ferrari, and Toyota. They all love it.

I won't go so far as to say it's pretty, but Cumberford basically said in his design analysis that form follows function, and that this car is actually very intelligently designed simply because there's nothing there that doesn't need to be there.

Kinda like the original Mini.

I think we have more of a chance of getting this car than people initially realized. Especially now that Tata has doorways into the US with Jaguar and Land Rover.

[93forestpearl]

Hmmmmm. I wonder if its been crash tested, lol.

[BXSS]

I'm sure it will test well if it was run into the back of a bicycle...

[evolutionmovement]

But would it survive the wandering elephant test?

[James614]

I think we have more of a chance of getting this car than people initially realized. Especially now that Tata has doorways into the US with Jaguar and Land Rover.

They love the car, but not because they want that car here (for one, it's size class doesn't even exist in this country like it does around the world, and cars that small are usually exempt from certain safety standards. The Smart Fortwo is the lone exception since it passes larger car safety standards, but it's basically a niche model and costs as much as larger subcompacts from Honda/GM/Toyota/Nissan). They love it's design philosophy, and the way that the engineers took car building back to the basics of the Model T.

My bet? We'll be seeing a GM concept poised as a lower-cost replacement for the Aveo using the "cheapness at all costs" philosophy as much as our market will allow.... that will wind up being a huge improvement over the Aveo

[Redlined]

I don't think it will survive passed being Americanized. There is a reason America doesn't see a lot of the cars that are manufactured.

First a slew of "safety Features" will need to be implemented. Along with cast iron frame reinforcements and 23 way airbags. The motor will have to meet "clean pollution" standards, 19 more seat belts will need to be added, Warning labels plastered over every flat surface "Caution: Exhaust not for breathing" etc. etc. etc. By the time the vehicle is "Up to spec" it will be either to expensive to convert to Americanism or bear little to no resemblance to the original vehicle.

This (once again. all my opinion) may be why its getting such a kind reception from all the domestic Automakers. They know it will never see a single sale here.

If it does make it here unscathed. Ill take two. But I'm not going to hold my breath.

[ciper]

I can't believe any of you would consider buying one. They are just as bad if not worse than the Cherrys!

If you know anything about crash tests look on youtube for Cherry Crash Test

For example watch this 40mph crash test
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Swzbt76wBM
Even compared to a 20 year old POS that crash test is terrrrrrrrible. Even in a minor accident you will most likely die. Dont take my word for it though, compare it to other crash test videos of the same test!

[n2x4]

I can't believe any of you would consider buying one. They are just as bad if not worse than the Cherrys!

If you know anything about crash tests look on youtube for Cherry Crash Test

For example watch this 40mph crash test
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Swzbt76wBM
Even compared to a 20 year old POS that crash test is terrrrrrrrible. Even in a minor accident you will most likely die. Dont take my word for it though, compare it to other crash test videos of the same test!

That dummy got powned

[ciper]

Here is another chinese car which happens to be a new 2007 model
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F06LjugtIUo

And another. This one is an SUV, those are safer right?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZWy_fASSiQ

Interior view http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esQr98a2XgQ

[James614]

It's worth noting that those Cherrys aren't even excessively cheap cars; they're intended to be legitimate competitors to mainstream vehicles and aren't priced a ton less. The company is just such an evil profit monger that they're passing off sub-80's engineering and quality control and little/no safety safety consideration to try and make a quick $billion.

This Tata, at least, has a price tag to match it's production value.

I read more of the article, and, with new laws going in effect in India, they don't expect the car's price tag and overall design to remain feasible when it faces stricter emissions and safety requirements (according to the article, U.S.-level safety equipment alone cost as much as the vehicle, and it's engine isn't expected to be able to maintain passable emissions levels if annual testing is introduced).

A 250cc scooter costs about as much, is probably faster and definitely gets better fuel economy, and it's wheel bearings won't blow up if you drive on the highway (and probably just as safe if you're wearing a helmet). So yeah, I'm thinking not only does it not face a chance in America, but it has no hoped in the developed world, period.

[evolutionmovement]

Also likely built by slave labor.

[Aerotech]

See, this is what happens when you let Indians build casinos.