The $10,000 hybrid vehicle
Would you buy it?A few days ago I had a conversation with an ex Tata Motors employee. In his opinion, Tata is now very close to having products ready for the American market. While they will probably be the cheapest autos available in America, they'll probably also look and feel like the cheapest cars in America.
Nonetheless, if an automaker such as Tata began selling $10,000 hybrid cars that could achieve 60 + mpg in both the city and on the highway, offered reasonable safety, but not much else, would you be a buyer?
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles, tata nano hybrid
posted by Dahcredyns at
10:47 AM
11 Comments:
No way. Look at that thing. Looks like a go-cart. I would never risk my family's safety in such a vehicle. Plus, that's just toooooo small. Finally, I like comfortable seats. I like a nice stereo system. I like navigation. And I like to buy a new car that I can keep and enjoy for about 10 years - yes I keep my cars that longt - but I fear I'd hate this purchase after just a year or less.
No thanks. A semi-loaded Prius is as frugal as I can go.
I agree... this was the reason, why I have not bought a Prius. However, many cyclists (both with and without motor prefix) would buy such a thing, because it is definitely safer and has about the same fuel efficiency as a motorcycle.
Ah, the American mantra...
People seem to like motorcycles more than these cars. Which would be less safe? The only reason it wouldn't be safe is because people like this are driving around Hummers, while dicking around with their navigations systems.
Last Anon - Ha Ha! you hit the nail on the head!
I wonder how nice the new Honda Insight will be? If it is not that great, then paying 8K more than a Tata might be foolish. A 10 thousand dollar 60 mpg commuter sounds like a good deal to me!
Appearantly the Insight isn't worth a shit unless it has Leather Captains seats and a 42 inch plasma PSII built in. As long as it is 6 wheel drive and chromed out, I'm in! (Note saracasm).
I think the new Honda Insight will be very nice. it will feel like its worth about 20000.
A car like a tata hybrid might feel like a 10000 car, but is that really such a bad thing?
as another has posted, if not for make-no-sense hummers, etc., the safety concerns of such vehicles wouldn't be an issue.
instead of café and its fuel economy requirements, maybe we should put much stricter weight requirements on vehicles.
I would buy a $10,000 car if it was safe enough. It's no different from the Th!nk electric car concept, right? A city car. A spare second car for errands and the occasional drive in to work when I don't take the bus.
I wouldn't use it too often so it will last at least 10 years, I figure.
Then I could more easily justify the cost of a Volt as the main family car!
I am proud to say that it is now clear that I will be able to fulfill my dream of buying an electric-type car as my first new car purchase. And that I, my family, and children will never have to buy an ICE vehicle.
Anyone else notice the disappearance of Prius availability and price anxiety? Green car fans are no longer held hostage by Prius supplies or cost. It is clear that with the publicity of hybrid plans from Honda, Tata, GM trucks, various mild hybrids, and of course the Volt, competition WILL come to the hybrid markets in 2009. And there will be plenty of supply and price points to choose from if we all just wait for 2009 and 2010.
Thanks, dahc, for keeping us so well informed of future trends and options!
It kinda looks like the VW Bug from 30 years ago.
Indigo Incarnates
The thing I predict, however, is that a Tata hybrid would be up to $15k by the time it's re-engineered to pass USA emissions and safety standards. But even at $15k, it would be a welcome entry-level hybrid. that said, I'd probably still go for a Honda Insight-II since it's *allegedly* going to cost around $20k and Hondas tend to outlast most marriages.
alcatholic,
i just went Prius shopping on friday, and i'm going to make a post later tonight or Monday on that.
competition is definitely heating up, i just wish we were a little closer to when these other vehicles hit the street.
indigo-
I don't disagree with your $15,000 assertion, i was just wondering what people would think about a cheap - literally - hybrid with great fuel economy, fair safety, and a cheap as possible sticker price.
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