Tata’s Nano is slated to exclusively launch in the Indian market later this year, but the aptly named Nano could become a global car in the not-so-distant future, a new report finds. A partnership between Tata and Fiat could see the Nano sold in some European countries.
Although nothing has been set in stone, Tata head Ratan Tata has reportedly been in talks with Italy’s Fiat about selling the Nano under the Fiat nameplate in overseas markets. “We have held talks about the Nano being marketed in markets where Fiat has already a strong presence. I am open to consider a partnership,” Tata told the Economic Times. Tata and Fiat currently run a joint venture that produces engines, cars and commercial vehicles, so further cooperation would not be impossible.
The tie-up would make sense for Tata as its name recognition and dealership network is not well founded in areas outside of India, such as Europe. However, if the Nano is sold under the Fiat name in more established regions, its price would likely be higher than $2,500 due to the cost of added safety and emissions equipment.
Tata has already made it publicly known that it intends to sell the Nano in Europe one day, as evident by the Nanos on display at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.
07/24, 3:51 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Fiat and Tata: those two are made for each other.
07/24, 3:57 PM
posted by:
fuk-u-asshole
i cant see this fitting into fiats lineup. unless its a replacement for the panda. but then the nano is pretty low rent form of transport. im guessing eastern europe.
FIAT doesnt need another small car. its the last thing it needs.
it needs more image boosting porduct such as a mx5/miata rival barchetta replacement
07/24, 4:02 PM
posted by:
xyunya
tata is board member of Fiat. I think he is considered instrumental in FIAT’s recovery after GM dumped them, just like M-B screwed Chrysler. The board is repaying for past favors.
07/24, 4:06 PM
posted by:
fuk-u-asshole
more like chrylser screwed up M-B quality and you know it
07/24, 4:15 PM
posted by:
xyunya
Actually, I recall few years when cars made by Chrysler were of higher quality then M-B. I am far from stating that Chrysler ever made high quality cars, but there is not much to write home about M-B quality either. For one thing, the owners are of different mindset and means: M-B cars are maintained for free and runners pick them up from owners and bring them back or owner sits in a plush waiting room spending quality time and making acquaintances with potential clients.
Chrysler made blue collar cars for the most part (LeBaron and alike were exception not the rule) that were driven hard and maintained occasionally. How many of them were parked in a garage overnight?
07/24, 4:22 PM
posted by:
fuk-u-asshole
WHEN CHRYLSER MADE HIGHER QUALITY THAN MERCEDES, would neon interpid be examples. I love chrylser styling now but the quality sucks big time take a look at the avenger,sebring,caliber.
What a pile of horse ****
07/24, 4:26 PM
posted by:
chester
Feet and Titties… Oops Iment Fiat and TaTa
07/24, 4:26 PM
posted by:
chester
I ment**
07/24, 4:26 PM
posted by:
chester
I meant****
07/24, 4:56 PM
posted by:
xyunya
The link is to an article I found (the best I could do on a short notice) which clearly states that M-B quality is not par to their price. Article is form 2001, I believe, and as I recall around that time Chrysler cars were better screwed then Nazi sleds.
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2002/02/05/035312.html
07/24, 5:15 PM
posted by:
fuk-u-asshole
your comment means nothing when you say nazi sleds. says alot about the person you are
07/24, 5:20 PM
posted by:
jumpoffit
lol says the person with the nic name, fuk-u-as$hole
07/24, 5:25 PM
posted by:
xyunya
Let me elaborate: I hate Nazis. Perhaps it makes me a horrible person.
07/24, 5:31 PM
posted by:
xyunya
..and I can point to a history page where M-B was the first death chamber on wheels during WWII. It was before Zyklon B was used.
07/24, 6:26 PM
posted by:
shaver
Nazi punks, nazi punks, nazi punks, f*** off.
07/24, 6:54 PM
posted by:
fuk-u-asshole
perhaps it makes u a prick to call all germans who assemble MB are nazis, that would be the same if I suggested americans were world terriorists of today
07/24, 7:07 PM
posted by:
Get Real
USA USA USA USA USA
Bring the Nano to the USA.
Doom to VW.
07/24, 8:09 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Why are all these cheap cars so G-d damned ugly?!? I mean, come on! It may be cheap, but at least make them look good…these cars look like they were drawn by a three year-old.
07/24, 9:02 PM
posted by:
got_your_mother_sitting_shotgun
Will an LS9 fit in this thing? i’m lookin for something that looks green an fuel effective, but is a true sleeper !!!
07/25, 1:14 AM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Yeah, an LS9 will fit, but then you won’t.
And these are ugly because they don’t want to pay for the expensive 5-year-old designers.
07/25, 7:56 AM
posted by:
Tosta Mista
I would rather buy a used VW Polo or a Fiat Panda then a new TATA Nano.
07/25, 9:40 AM
posted by:
xyunya
fuk-u-asshole, you would be in line with Hammas, Iran, Al Queda, North Korea, …. quite respectful company. Furthermore, I did not state that everyone who screws M-B together are Nazis. I perfectly aware that most of production line workers are Turks and not even German. In US assembly lines they are red necks, but not Nazis. I don’t think all Klansman can be admitted into Nazi Party since not all have proper racial make up (75% Arian blood).
However, I would not be surprised that management of M-B are scions of German industrialists who supported Fuhrer and benefited handsomely from the war and Nazi crimes. Nazi sled it is.
07/25, 10:14 AM
posted by:
csf89
theyre nazi sleds, and pieces of ****
but seriously, im with you all the way xyunya, ive been to the concentration camps (on the march of the living) and its not a pretty sight, its actually quite depressing
so fuk-u-asshole, go to hell