Finally: The recession-mobile
posted at 9:00 pm on March 23, 2009 by Allahpundit
I didn’t want to post this — I wanted to post this, but figured the strong content warning would irritate the boss — although I suppose advice on major purchases is a public service to our readers. So here it is: Dear guys, assuming they make this car available in the U.S., not even the king of the beta males would be caught dead in it. Seriously, if you’re going to drive this, you might as well ride a 10-speed, accept your dorky fate, and build some muscle in your quads. Is the price you’ll pay in gas really worth attracting the sort of women who’ll find a car like this attractive? Save your pennies and buy a ’75 Pinto.
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That looks like Steve Urkel’s car.
kingsjester on March 23, 2009 at 9:03 PM
Dude………..
……….. what’s next, Barney Frank’s techniques on “tea bagging“?
Seven Percent Solution on March 23, 2009 at 9:06 PM
I’ve seen better golf carts
michaelo on March 23, 2009 at 9:06 PM
and when large scale nano-fab begins, this will be the future here in the US too.
ernesto on March 23, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Any man that drives this car needs his man-card revoked.
gsherin on March 23, 2009 at 9:07 PM
The Funny or Die clip was Hil-larious!!!!
Lance Murdock on March 23, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Ut oh Trouble in Obama la la land. New CBS poll shows mnost americans unhappy with Obama and AIG
William Amos on March 23, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Allah, there’s an old guy here in town who rides a bicycle EVERYWHERE – I’ve seen him on the main highway just pedaling away, even keeps two complete wheels with him in case he has a flat. He may be dorky, but he’s old, so I doubt he cares – and I would NEVER challenge him to an a$$-kicking contest. The man must have thighs of iron.
uncivilized on March 23, 2009 at 9:08 PM
Then TOTUS must have one at once.
uncivilized on March 23, 2009 at 9:09 PM
How about this?
amerpundit on March 23, 2009 at 9:10 PM
I’d buy one to get to work, leave the toys at home.
gdonovan on March 23, 2009 at 9:11 PM
I’d buy one. I drive 4 miles to work everyday. This is a perfect commuter car as long as it’s made well.
Leave the vette for when it’s needed.
Rocks on March 23, 2009 at 9:12 PM
Maybe we should just say to the car maker……….
………… you first, then review the casualty reports after a year.
Seven Percent Solution on March 23, 2009 at 9:13 PM
When I bought my Honda Fit, my friends laughed that it looks like a clown car. Then the price of gas skyrocketed to nearly $4 a gallon, & I laughed at them.
Gas is cheaper now, but I still love my Fit.
jgapinoy on March 23, 2009 at 9:13 PM
The first link is most assuredly worth checking out.
BadgerHawk on March 23, 2009 at 9:13 PM
Yeah, thanks for not linking that other one.
Reminds me of the Bob and Tom remix “Sham-pon”.
mikeyboss on March 23, 2009 at 9:14 PM
Heh. No air bag, no power steering, no air conditioning, no power windows. The body is made of sheet-metal and plastic.
amerpundit on March 23, 2009 at 9:14 PM
It looks like just the thing for Al Gore and his rich green hollywierd buddies to get.
Not to go any distance with, of course, as for that they have limos and private jets, but to go from room to room in their mansions.
MB4 on March 23, 2009 at 9:15 PM
Um, yeah. Betamalemobile? Hey, for $2,000 a lot of high school / college students would go for this. But there’s a problem:
1. The government would never allow this car on the road without a bunch of needless features.
2. Union labor would jack it up even further, if a union were involved in the manufacturing.
Which means that this $2,000 car will never come to the US. Because unions and the government are the worst things that ever happened to the poor.
beatcanvas on March 23, 2009 at 9:16 PM
No airbag. No way it’ll ever be sold in the US.
jimmy the notable on March 23, 2009 at 9:18 PM
You mean there are any left? I had a ’72 Pinto. It had this added feature, at no extra cost, that without warning it would shake like there was an earthquake. Once, before I got used to that feature, I even jumped out of the car.
MB4 on March 23, 2009 at 9:19 PM
I would love that little thing. It’s small and cute. And the ladies will know I need to compensate.
keep the change on March 23, 2009 at 9:20 PM
Well said. Also, tariffs & shipping costs would probably double the car’s cost.
jgapinoy on March 23, 2009 at 9:21 PM
MB4 on March 23, 2009 at 9:22 PM
The world outside the US has many wonderful little creations. Japan has some awesome small trucks and cars. None of them will ever see life here because of those socialist government regulations, so we are stuck with gas guzzling land yachts and keeping the arabs rich.
keep the change on March 23, 2009 at 9:23 PM
The Funny or Die clip: hilarity ensues. The guy even has the lazy eye that the ShamWow! guy has.
carbon_footprint on March 23, 2009 at 9:23 PM
Once they started showing the artist’s renditions………..
………… my Shiraz ended up on my keyboard. Thanks!
Seven Percent Solution on March 23, 2009 at 9:23 PM
Are you sure that’s India? It looks like Queens.
Guardian on March 23, 2009 at 9:23 PM
2G buys almost 3 years’ worth of MetroCards. Pass.
Kid from Brooklyn on March 23, 2009 at 9:24 PM
Yes, was kinda funny on yesterday’s Obamateurism of the Day where the big Oh-gasm complained about the automobile industry not doing better fuel-mileage wise on modern cars than the Model T: he conveniently neglected to note that the Model T wouldn’t be built today because it wouldn’t pass a zillion Govt regs on crashworthiness, etc., etc.
Not to mention that the comparison was flawed on many other levels, including weight, performance, and size.
But, hey! Being the Big Oh means never having to say you’re sorry :)
/(do I need to?)
Wanderlust on March 23, 2009 at 9:24 PM
Does that little thing come with it’s own clowns?
Texas Gal on March 23, 2009 at 9:28 PM
In all seriousness, though, we do need to keep in mind the business case for the Nano: India (and India’s crowded city streets).
The story of how Tata developed the Nano is fascinating to me from both a market and engineering perspective. That car represents the absolute pinnacle of engineering and financial pragmatism ever to hit the modern automotive industry.
Of course, now India will have its roads clogged 3x worse than they are now, but at least Indians will be able to own a car…
Wanderlust on March 23, 2009 at 9:28 PM
My Kia Rio 5 is close enough..
blatantblue on March 23, 2009 at 9:29 PM
Looks like a Smart Car. Seen some of those crash test dummies after a crash….lets just say I won’t be buying one ever.
deidre on March 23, 2009 at 9:29 PM
Yah, but how does it stack up to the Model T?
katy on March 23, 2009 at 9:31 PM
India doesn’t give a flip about air quality, so this little overgrown roller skate that pollutes (by US standards) like crazy, certainly can’t be sold here because of emissions. Once it gets loaded up with emission controls, it would probably only go about 20 mph. As for safety concerns, a minor fender bender would probably land you in the hospital.
marybel on March 23, 2009 at 9:33 PM
Will it blend?
blatantblue on March 23, 2009 at 9:33 PM
Too late.It’s already been built.
Pelosi GTxi SS/Rt Sport Edition from Congressional Motors.
NeoKong on March 23, 2009 at 9:34 PM
What is that, the DeathTrap LX? My ATV is bigger than that tiny bug.
Gaia, you get in a wreck in that little thing and the firemen wouldn’t even bother cutting you out of the car, they would just bury the whole mess and call it good.
Bishop on March 23, 2009 at 9:34 PM
Dude. It’s a go cart. With a body.
Guardian on March 23, 2009 at 9:36 PM
Since you brought it up 7% … I just recently discovered Shiraz and I love it.
Texas Gal on March 23, 2009 at 9:36 PM
Great post, Allah!
I saw this on Fox tonight, and think it should be made the mandatory vehicle of every U.S. politician, government worker, and kook in the E.P.A.
I really appreciate it when someone comes along with a car that I’ll never be able to get into, would break if I leaned against it, and will probably never pass goBernment safety standards, not that those are all that in this day and age.
Quodos to the people developing and making it [in India, right?], but we Americans are bigger framed than most of the world populace so it will never sell here … unless circuses become popular again.
DannoJyd on March 23, 2009 at 9:36 PM
Cock punching and bodacious Tatas. A good day on Hot Air.
Bartrams Garden on March 23, 2009 at 9:36 PM
I’d take one, but only with the airfoil option.
edshepp on March 23, 2009 at 9:36 PM
It’s too beta for Allah even.
Disturb the Universe on March 23, 2009 at 9:37 PM
@#%^*! I’d rather ride a mule! Safety features are built right in, and when you’re done, (or he is) you can have a bar-b-que and invite the neighbors.
4shoes on March 23, 2009 at 9:37 PM
As a Bike Commuter, I don’t get the crack about a “10 Speed”. Best way to avoid “Blogger Butt”?
ronsfi on March 23, 2009 at 9:38 PM
Good freaking question!!!
4shoes on March 23, 2009 at 9:38 PM
Was the exploding gas tank standard or an option?
Ann NY on March 23, 2009 at 9:40 PM
Yeah, all the betas blame it on their car.
Stephen M on March 23, 2009 at 9:42 PM
Again with teh enispays! Always after the enispays!
ronsfi on March 23, 2009 at 9:43 PM
Ta Ta motors? Well, I guess that’s all the bigger they are.
boomer on March 23, 2009 at 9:45 PM
+100
It’s one more example of why I go and buy GM. At least I know I definitely have a car and not a glorified golfcart.
sethstorm on March 23, 2009 at 9:45 PM
In most foreign countries this car would work well. I mean next to a ricksha, mule or skooter, this thing’s a Cadillac.
Ain’t gonna happen here!
katy on March 23, 2009 at 9:51 PM
You’re fine so long as you are not a guy who wears those little bike shorts. Nothing screams metrosexual like bike shorts.
Guardian on March 23, 2009 at 9:55 PM
Hey look at the bright side. You get killed in that thing, you’ll already be in your coffin. Helps to save where you can at times like these.
GarandFan on March 23, 2009 at 9:55 PM
In other news, per Tammy Bruce’s twitter who must be watching Larry King Live, Meghan McCain started the interview defending Obama….go figure.
deidre on March 23, 2009 at 9:55 PM
Idunno. Some low profile tires & rims. Flames on the side. Drop in a 6.9L Hemi…Could be the next Shelby.
No need for seatbelts. If you hit something you’d be the first one there. Splat.
swede7 on March 23, 2009 at 9:58 PM
Even over there they had trouble so much as building the factory. Car is like 2 years overdue because of it.
To be honest I’m a little surprised that people are only finding out about this car just now..
Reaps on March 23, 2009 at 10:00 PM
The funny part, is that there are a decent number of car magazines that approve of the design, at least from a design standpoint (being able to make a “decent” car for such a low price).
I’d have to REALLY need basic trasportation and not be able to afford ANYTHING else before I’d buy one of these. But, if Obama really does tank the economy, this might be all we’ll be able to afford. :(
ExSubNuke on March 23, 2009 at 10:02 PM
There’s a teh ghey guy in my office who drives something like that.
You get hit in that thing and you’ll be saying ta-ta.
JammieWearingFool on March 23, 2009 at 10:04 PM
If it wasn’t for car loans, and financing, and all that kind of borrowing of money we don’t have, the kind of consumer debt that put us in this mess, this is all most people in the West could afford, so we shouldn’t be too quick to disparage cheap four-wheeled transportation. Most of us who drive new cars can’t afford what we are driving. That’s reality. If those loans were called in today, most people would be without a car.
keep the change on March 23, 2009 at 10:05 PM
I’d drive it if it comes with shaded windows and a remote controlled thick fog generator.
Darth Executor on March 23, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Well, those are still golfcarts.
sethstorm on March 23, 2009 at 10:05 PM
I had a ’72 Pinto station wagon, bought during the winter of ’73-74 during the height of the first energy crisis. Gas prices had exploded from $0.29/gallon to over 50 cents a gallon. I was getting 20 mpg, my buddies were all driving Chevelles, GTOs, and Trans Ams, getting around 10 mpg. We took my car for the mileage.
PatMac on March 23, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Ok…I admit it…I like Ta Ta’s. There, ya happy?
Bishop on March 23, 2009 at 10:07 PM
But how did it do on the skid pad? O to 60 in how many days?
“We’re sorry, but the stereo option requires that you first choose the station wagon version.”
AubieJon on March 23, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Ordinarily, the content warning goes BEFORE the link… for idiots like me.
Just sayin’.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on March 23, 2009 at 10:10 PM
LOL! Nope I’m with the baggies.
ronsfi on March 23, 2009 at 10:12 PM
(Paraphrased from the video): “There aren’t any plans to bring them to the U.S. because of stricter safety regulations.”
(Translation): “They are death traps.”
Expect Dems to want to deregulate something for the first time in their lives.
aero on March 23, 2009 at 10:13 PM
What fool would drive this on the Interstate?? Not me. Where do you put the kids?? Golf Clubs?? Grocery bags??? Hell you can’t even make out in that sardine can!!!
Dire Straits on March 23, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Not at all. They would not want the non-union Tata over here to compete with their UAW union-made Big 3 products. Especially at that price. That is one of the reason for all the “safety” standards. It is a form of trade barrier. If the world could compete in the US market, say goodbye to the UAW.
keep the change on March 23, 2009 at 10:16 PM
And you absolutely know some poor Obotomized dip is going to put on lo-pros, spinners, and make it into a boombox.
AubieJon on March 23, 2009 at 10:16 PM
If it’s cheap, I’d consider buying one. But maaaaaan I’d be terrified to take it out on a highway…
ddrintn on March 23, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Does the steering wheel double as a clipboard for your scorecards?
AubieJon on March 23, 2009 at 10:18 PM
This car has the capability to revolutionize whole societies, especially as it allows nations to move from bicycles or walking to cheap internal combustion transportation. Looks dorky to us, but has the potential for unbelievable change.
Before you laugh, google to verify the fact I’m about to give you: The huge company which is bringing this out (Tata motors, part of the Tata group) bought Jaguar and Land Rover in June 2008.
cs89 on March 23, 2009 at 10:19 PM
Cheers!
Seven Percent Solution on March 23, 2009 at 10:20 PM
Reckon I can fit some 24″ wheels on it? Bling, baby!
jimmy2shoes on March 23, 2009 at 10:20 PM
It has already been done here. And failed miserably:
robblefarian on March 23, 2009 at 10:21 PM
crap!
http://www.hightechscience.org/sparrow.htm
robblefarian on March 23, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Save some cash: buy a lawnmower.
BKennedy on March 23, 2009 at 10:22 PM
Can you imagine the first 18 wheeler hitting this death trap. Driver would say to his partner “What kinda bug did we just hit?” Partner would reply ” I dunno but did he sure did have a big d**k!!!
Dire Straits on March 23, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Here is the 2010 Model………..
Seven Percent Solution on March 23, 2009 at 10:24 PM
It would be twice as expensive at the very least if you wanted to match the US safety standards.
The target market rides the bus and owns a scooter to get around. It’s a step up safety-wise when it comes to transportation for them, but not something that would ever work over here.
Asher on March 23, 2009 at 10:25 PM
Dude, radical islamists couldn’t make a decent car bomb out of that thing. You’d be lucky if you could blow your nose.
Cars are the one thing I won’t compromise on. I’ve got an 05 GTO; when gas prices went up over 4.00 I just stopped driving. I’d rather have that fishbowl run me over (probably take more than 2-3 times to kill someone with it) than be caught driving one.
austinnelly on March 23, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Asher on March 23, 2009 at 10:25 PM
It isn’t aimed for here.
Could blow up in their faces, but I think it’ll work just fine in India, and maybe expand into other markets.
For a frame of reference, the parent company (many different interests, not just cars) has about the same number of employees as GM, and half the annual revenue of GM before Tata Nano takes off.
cs89 on March 23, 2009 at 10:29 PM
I guess one good thing about it is that it would be easy for Obama’s Brown Shirts and ACORN people to turn over and burn when they have their riots and protests.
Dire Straits on March 23, 2009 at 10:31 PM
We’ve devolved.
Leave it to you, GF, to point out the silver lining :)
unwashed minion on March 23, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Hard to have much trust in a car made by people who believe in reincarnation.
Karma Ghia?
profitsbeard on March 23, 2009 at 10:36 PM
How do you say Tin Lizzie in Hindi?
One step closer to that fuel efficient 1908 Model T Obama is dreaming about….
Caper29 on March 23, 2009 at 10:40 PM
That is way to small. If I’m gonna buy Ta Ta, I’d like it to at least be as big as my other two.
Laura in Maryland on March 23, 2009 at 10:43 PM
To should be too, as in I am too tired to spell.
Laura in Maryland on March 23, 2009 at 10:49 PM
I’ve actually seen a few of these toodling around Atlanta. They look like sardine cans on wheels. Looks to be about that safe too.
PrincipledPilgrim on March 23, 2009 at 10:55 PM
My first car was a 77 Pinto. Metallic Blue paint with pin stipes…oh and it had a 6 cylinder instead of the standard 4 cylinder…got it up to 110 one time. I loved that car!
ProudPatriot on March 23, 2009 at 11:01 PM
Mine hit 50mpg once, and I had to pull over and replace all the oil that blew out. (I used to keep a case in the trunk.)
Laura in Maryland on March 23, 2009 at 11:05 PM
You forgot the incredible Gremlin which was right behind the Pinto.
nor on March 23, 2009 at 11:20 PM
And what’s wrong with a mule?? Seriously, it reminds me of a much-loved Fiat 126 model of the 70s. Should be fine for low-speed city driving. Highways suck anyway.
Fortunata on March 23, 2009 at 11:30 PM
Buying round trip tickets on the Titanic.
They might wanna check this out.
warbaby on March 23, 2009 at 11:32 PM
Let’s just say the buyers of the latter are the beta-male testees (do note the presence of two ‘e’s) of the former.
steveegg on March 23, 2009 at 11:37 PM
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