GWR
11-01-08, 10:38 AM
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[Photo: http://www.tatapeoplescar.com/tatamotors/]
India auto drive
Tata Motors of India has unveiled the world's cheapest motor car and reports say the Indian firm is likely to build and sell the 82,500-baht auto in Thailand.
The four-door Tata Nano was shown on Thursday at India's biggest car show in the capital, New Delhi. It sells for 100,000 rupees, or $2,500.
The four-door five-seater car, which goes on sale later this year, has a 33bhp, 624cc, engine at the rear. It has no air conditioning, no electric windows and no power steering, but two deluxe models will be on offer.
Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata has dropped strong hints to the Indian media that he expects to make and market the car in Thailand.
According to the Times of India, Tata told reporters at the auto show that, "The car could do well in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia."
Asked specifically if he intended to make the Nano at a planned new assembly plant at the "Detroit of Asia" in Rayong in the future, Tata refused to comment.
Tata said several countries have shown interest in building the car. "I can't name these countries now but two of them have shown firm interest," he said.
But it is known that the Indian firm is in advanced talks to set up a plant in Rayong to produce a so-called eco-car which will be heavily subsidised by various industrial and tax incentives.
The company’s most recent joint venture was with Thonburi Automotive in 2006, to manufacture and market pick-up trucks in Thailand. The project will produce 35,000 1-ton trucks a year, to be sold in the domestic market.
Last week, Forbes magazine reported on its website that a spokesperson for Tata Motors had confirmed plans for a project in Thailand but refused to reveal any details. The report said that Tata Motors plans to invest around $200 million and roll out 100,000 cars annually from Thailand, where it could create an auto components hub around the small car. (Compiled by BangkokPost.com)
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=125031
[Photo: http://www.tatapeoplescar.com/tatamotors/]
India auto drive
Tata Motors of India has unveiled the world's cheapest motor car and reports say the Indian firm is likely to build and sell the 82,500-baht auto in Thailand.
The four-door Tata Nano was shown on Thursday at India's biggest car show in the capital, New Delhi. It sells for 100,000 rupees, or $2,500.
The four-door five-seater car, which goes on sale later this year, has a 33bhp, 624cc, engine at the rear. It has no air conditioning, no electric windows and no power steering, but two deluxe models will be on offer.
Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata has dropped strong hints to the Indian media that he expects to make and market the car in Thailand.
According to the Times of India, Tata told reporters at the auto show that, "The car could do well in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia."
Asked specifically if he intended to make the Nano at a planned new assembly plant at the "Detroit of Asia" in Rayong in the future, Tata refused to comment.
Tata said several countries have shown interest in building the car. "I can't name these countries now but two of them have shown firm interest," he said.
But it is known that the Indian firm is in advanced talks to set up a plant in Rayong to produce a so-called eco-car which will be heavily subsidised by various industrial and tax incentives.
The company’s most recent joint venture was with Thonburi Automotive in 2006, to manufacture and market pick-up trucks in Thailand. The project will produce 35,000 1-ton trucks a year, to be sold in the domestic market.
Last week, Forbes magazine reported on its website that a spokesperson for Tata Motors had confirmed plans for a project in Thailand but refused to reveal any details. The report said that Tata Motors plans to invest around $200 million and roll out 100,000 cars annually from Thailand, where it could create an auto components hub around the small car. (Compiled by BangkokPost.com)
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=125031