The World's Cheapest Nano (It's a car, not an iPod)

This car is really, really cheap. Probably cheaper than the prospects of Hillary Clinton's pointless campaign. Okay sorry, that didn't make too much sense, but you get the idea.

Last month, TATA Motors of India announced the arrival of the world's cheapest car appropriately named the Nano: The People's Car. How much? $2,500USD. It's a pretty cool-looking car too. Kind of like a squashed-up Toyota Prius. Anyway, the chief focus of the TATA Motors' CEO Ratan Tata, is to provide efficient and sustainable transportation to the common man. In India, lower-class families are frequently stuck without any reliable mode of transportation and as a result are forced to go through time-consuming and oftentimes, embarrassing circumstances to travel. It is a common sight in India to see about 7-8 people riding an average-sized motorcycle at the SAME time. Typically, these motorcycles are priced at $1500USD. For just another $1000 bucks these families can now afford a car! The arrival of the Nano is probably a godsend to such families (and believe me, there are a LOT of them in India.)

Some specs about the car:

• 4 Doors
• 10 feet long / 5 feet wide
• 623cc Two cylinder engine
• About 35 Horsepower and capable of going 65MPH
• There is also a trunk that can fit about 2 small backpacks
• Offers 54 Miles per gallon

Over time, the introduction of this car is going to negatively affect the US Auto market. (I'm sure the Nano, in the long run, will be launching in overseas markets) Unless a Ford or GM can counter TATA's innovative new product before that time, their income statements are taking a hit. (Especially in today's economy, when the consumer purchasing power and spending is super low)

Of course, in India, the sales for this car are probably going to be really high. That means, there will be more pollution, more congestion and perhaps, a lot more confusion. At the same time, I think that one thing is for sure, this car will definitely help to boost India's growing economy. Think about it. A whole cycle can kick off as this car starts to sell like hotcakes. New jobs in car manufacturing, more profitable car dealerships, higher number of car lenders, more car workshop, new road and bridge construction, addition to jobs and new workers, and so on.

I hate to say this but I have a feeling that the rest of the world is moving beyond the United States in so many areas and industries. You know, I'm getting a little off-topic now but whatever. They used to say, "when the US sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold". Well, that's not the case anymore, is it?

Today, when the US sneezes, does anyone even care? Pssh, yeah right.

Go India.