http://tinyurl.com/2jbu6e

Hey, that's down in Model T territory (adjusted for inflation). But it makes sense that with automation and less direct labor costs, a car today *should* be at least as cheap as the T.

*optional engine and transaxle available.

Uh, Vern, if you're going to "borrow" my link from the 'Eve's Car" thread, could you at least give me some props?

*Battery not included.

Careful Mrs M., Vern is a wee bit sensitive and he may take offense and close his username account again! (And come back with a new username else later on in this thread.)

*Some assembly required.

Shows what can be accomplished with non-union labor.

Does it come with the "Birkenstock" braking system? Yabba Dabba Do!

I'd guess that at $2,467, 99% of India's population still can't afford it. Might as well be $50,000. Unless you're a doctor or a supervisor in a US company's call center.

And how well does it perform on safety and emission tests?

When it's broken down in your driveway, safety is 100% and emissions are practially zero (except for that slow fluid leak).

HEY.....Could be a solid replacement for Timberfakes failing "YUGO"!

I have seen the Tata name come up elsewhere, such as in computer software development and electronics design consultancy services. To me, this suggests that Tata is a fairly substantial corporation in India, and for that I think that they should be taken seriously. The one aspect that I find sad is the headline in the story linked at the beginning of this thread that describes the Tata car as one which could be purchased with a credit card. At this price, I think that you should just be able to save some money and write a check. It's less than $2,500, for goodness sakes!

Postscript: At $2,467, the Tata car is within the price range of a lot of used cars. I think that this will have two major impacts:

1) It will have a substantial impact on the market for used economy cars.

2) It will increase the public's acceptance of a car as a disposable product.

Thats the price in India, it would be at least twice that in the US, even if it could pass US safety and emission laws.

I know lots of women who have paid about $2500 for a PAIR of perky new ta-tas.

I had to look that one up.

I know why women do that, but I have never known a woman, whose original equipment didnt handle perfectly well.