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Comments
Now, maybe the European market two-cylinder Fiat 500 or the next generation Beetle (not the '12 refresh) would be more tempting alternatives to a used compact.
But what would those two Euros cost here? Probably not much less than a modestly equipped conventional car. The 500 we get now, albeit a bit more loaded than a standard Euro model, doesn't undercut normal compacts by much if anything.
The 500 can only hope to achieve significant sales numbers in the U.S. by expanding the model line, much as MINI has, but also by adding the very high mileage, less contented, two-cylinder Euro model. The latter, lower priced 500 would fill the low-cost-of-ownership niche, and would be the most mass market of the 500s. Maybe it could be given a new heritage name, such as Topolino, along with unique colors and/or trim cues, to differentiate it from the more upscale 500s. If it were a good product, it could be priced above the bottom feeder Nano. It might be priced similarly to the base Aveo, Sentra and Yaris.
I believe that VW plans to offer a two-cylinder version of the Beetle when it introduces the next platform. I also read that Ford is considering launching the Ka in the U.S.
I've seen it happen too many times when po' folks bought an ultra-cheap new car whether it was a Yugo or an Excel. These people could ill-afford to miss time from their low-wage jobs with their inflexible schedules for the problems that constantly arose with these cheap transportation modules. These vehicles soon became costly objets d' art on streets of poor and marginal neighborhoods everywhere.
At $8,000+, few will sell as they'd be competing with exponentially better used cars.
Cheapo Beetles and a Ka would make the Nano even more superfluous. I can't imagine anyone but a diehard Indian national or someone who lives in a cave buying one.
For 8K, one can indeed find a respectable normal used car that will last for some time.
Cheap and cheerful...that's what is needed. Just having the first part won't fool people for long.
The Fit may be Honda's most important car, only because it creates loyal buyers.
Drowning Mona, yes, hysterical film.
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/08/report-tata-to-double-nano-production-amidst-- sales-uptick/
What exactly does it cover? Fresh tap water for the radiator AND windshield washer?
Of course, it is, so who cares in this case.
Motorcycles are downright dangerous compared to even the worst car on the road. The whole point of the Nano was to get people off of motorcycles and into something safer.
But at $8K, it'll not sell a single one in the U.S. $2500 in India... $8000 in the U.S. .. RIGHT.
At $8k it doesn't really stand a chance.
http://www.zapworld.com/zap-xebra-electric-sedan
It would be cheaper to add another battery to a golf cart and kick it up to 35-40 MPH. A friend does that for all the service vehicles at a local Indian casino.
I think $4500 for the Nano on 5 year terms would move them pretty fast. About the price per month of a bus pass.
$84.92 for a 5 year loan at 5% if it cost $4500.
That's a buy, too, not a lease.
Of course lease residual would be zero so it would lease for about the same amount, LOL.
seems to be of the same ilk. For three years I drove a '65 VW Beetle with 40HP and took trips
of great length. Granted, you had to change gears frequently and creep up steep inclines
in the mountains to the annoyance of motorists behind you, those simple machines did
accomplish several things well.
The Maico and Messerschmitt were powered by motorcyle engines and were very cheap at
the time. Each sold for around $900. The Isetta had a one cylinder engine, probably out of
a motorcyle, and the BMW 300 had a flat twin cylinder engine that looked like it was also
used on their two wheelers.
I think the question of whether there would be a market for the Nano in the U.S. would depend on execution and pricing. I predict that the Nano won't achieve a permanent foothold in the U.S. market. Used compacts and subcompacts of established brands are just too tough to beat for value and utility.