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.
