Indian auto manufacturer Tata has undertaken an ambitious project to get Indians, who in the main cannot currently afford a car, onto the roads. The "People's Car" will cost around $2,500, about one third the cost of the current cheapest car on sale in India. It has been designed in complete secrecy so far, and is scheduled for launch next year. It will have a 33 hp rear-mounted gasoline engine, with 4 doors, 4 seats and a roof like any other car. Only one windscreen wiper to save on costs, though! http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/artic...ext-peoples-car Many environmentalists are going bananas at the thought of the millions of extra cars pumping out greenhouse gases on the back of such cheap vehicles, but in India the common opinion is that the West can criticize them once they have developed to the current Western level of consumption (currently there are only 7 cars per 1,000 Indians). What does everyone on here think? Good thing for development of an emerging economy or looming oil crisis?
Weren't US cars cheaper than that in 1948? Oh, wait, you must mean cheapest ever in some sort of universal valuation system...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clett @ May 8 2007, 10:18 AM) [snapback]437498[/snapback]</div> If they can afford cars then they are making too much money. The search will be on to find who will work cheaper than an Indian.
At that price, you can afford to buy two. Then your friends can gaze admiringly at your "pair of Ta-tas." :lol:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(larkinmj @ May 8 2007, 10:05 PM) [snapback]437961[/snapback]</div> :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: NICE!!!!!
larkinmj, you beat me to it :lol: but also, isn't that what it costs in america for a new pair of the other kind of ta-tas?
You want to bet they left off those pesky, end expensive, catalytic converters too!!! That will be great a BILLION people driving cars with no cats! At least in 5 years the US will no longer be the leading producer of CO2, in total volume or per capita!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(larkinmj @ May 8 2007, 09:05 PM) [snapback]437961[/snapback]</div> This may very well be the best post Ive read here. Congrats
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(clett @ May 8 2007, 08:18 AM) [snapback]437498[/snapback]</div> It's dreadful for the environment. But it's not nearly as dreadful as what we are doing today. With all our "environmental awareness" and so-called governmental controls, we are probably polluting a million times as much as India. It's very bad that they are following our path. But it's even worse that we are continuing to follow our path. Hey, Kettle! Get your black ass off my stove. Nobody but us pots is allowed up here!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ May 8 2007, 08:28 PM) [snapback]438039[/snapback]</div> No. A good pair are $5k-$8k here in Cali. I'm sure you can get a economy pair for cheaper but don't complain when the fit and finish are not perfect. Don't ask me how I know.
They should talk to Citroen, who still have the tools to manufacture the 2CV somewhere in Portugal. The 2CV got the French on the road 60 years ago and would be a great vehicle for India, also. 2 cylinder, air-cooled, take it apart with the starting handle..... Dunno if they could compete with $2500 though :unsure:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(larkinmj @ 2007 May 8 7:05 PM) [snapback]437961[/snapback]</div> Will they be designated like the Canadian Prius packages? (A, B, C...) B)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(F8L @ May 9 2007, 08:02 PM) [snapback]438662[/snapback]</div> yikes. shows what i know. :blink: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ May 18 2007, 06:13 PM) [snapback]445267[/snapback]</div> :lol: what if you want a set of double D's...? do you have to get 4? and more importantly... would they give you back problems?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ 2007 May 18 5:20 PM) [snapback]445346[/snapback]</div> Factory double Ds are rare, but lesser models can be retrofitted with airbags to increase their letter designation. Back problems are reportedly eased with the installation of a Big Tata brace. Enthusiastic drivers report improved handling and an immediate stiffening effect, though some claim further testing is necessary. B)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ May 19 2007, 09:12 AM) [snapback]445714[/snapback]</div> So... would those include side air bags for all around comfort?
Interesting... haven't had a chance to read the whole article yet.... That's a lot cheaper than the Renault Logan that supposedly is ~$6000. http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/conte...41072_mz054.htm http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/conte...41075_mz054.htm
