Nano to hit US roads with USD 5,000 price tag

World's cheapest car, the Tata Group's Nano that sells for USD 2,500 in India, may find its place in the US garages at double the price when it is commercially launched here, but would still be lowest-priced car in America.

The cheapest vehicle in North America costs about USD 9,000-10,000 "so one could speculate that half of that - over 5,000 dollars - is a possible price point" for the Nano in the US and is still way cheaper than the lowest priced car, a Tata Technologies official told PTI at the Detroit Science Centre here, where the car is on display for the US audience for the first time.

The official, who did not wish to be named since the decision on price would rest with Tata Motors, said the over 5,000 dollar price range could also take into account all the necessary safety and emission requirements needed to ensure that Nano is fit for the US roads.

Tata Technologies, part of the Tata Group, has brought the 'Champagne Gold Nano LX' from Pune, India to Detroit for an event titled 'Better Innovation', which was attended by media and auto company officials.

It may be remembered that earlier this month at the New Delhi Auto Expo, Tata Group Chief Ratan Tata had said the firm will consider launching Nano in the US in the next three years as there is a market for the car not only in developing countries but also in developed countries.