$2.5k to $8k: Regulations Will Cost More Than Car
DETROIT (AP) -- The world's cheapest car ($2,500) is being readied for sale in the U.S., but by the time India's Tata Nano is retrofitted to meet emissions and safety standards, it won't be that cheap. Tata Motors already has made a European version of the four-seat car that will cost about $8,000 when it debuts in 2011, and a Tata Technologies official said privately that the U.S. version is expected to have a comparable price.Thanks to Michael Kelly.
8 Comments:
That's a glorified golf cart, not a car; never mind that it is designed to break at speeds normally found on US/EU roads.
Scratch that, it's a mobile coffin.
Sort of reminds me of the Smart car...
In a crash it acts just like a ping pong ball...
If they put an electric motor in the car instead, the government would pay for most or much of the purchase.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704107204574473724099542430.html
In fact, someone should buy them in India, put electric motors in and try importing those instead.
In fact, someone should buy them in India, put electric motors in and try importing those instead.
Not going to fly. Registration and insurance would not be legally possible. Well, it would fly, just only in a collision.
Too much other safety-related corner cutting has been done to the car.
If you want a small import to play with, throw the electric engine in a Honda CRX. If you're wanting something a bit more American, try a Fiero. Both can be registered legally if you really want a electric-powered coffin car.
sethstorm said...
Not going to fly. Registration and insurance would not be legally possible. Well, it would fly, just only in a collision.
If that wouldn't work, how can the gas one be legal? The point is, if the government subsidizes several thousand dollars, it's not an $8,000 purchase, but much less.
Besides that, street legal golf carts are what the government is subsidizing. There are restrictions on where they can be driven, but they can be driven on streets.
If that wouldn't work, how can the gas one be legal? The point is, if the government subsidizes several thousand dollars, it's not an $8,000 purchase, but much less.
The imported $2500 ones would not be, but the $8000 modified ones (sadly) would be.
Besides that, street legal golf carts are what the government is subsidizing. There are restrictions on where they can be driven, but they can be driven on streets.
...which keeps them off major roads and (for the most part) city streets.
If you are not in favor of seat belts , air bags, brakes and steering, bumpers that can withstand being hit by a large beetle, having a car you would let your daughter or son to drive then please go to India and let us know from your hospital room how this all works out.
That was a huge difference in price. On has to wonder how much more we pay in medical costs due to regulation compared to other countries.
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