Called "The world's cheapest car," at a price of $2000; the Tata Nano from India was developed to serve the needs of emerging nations. In its current state of economic chaos, the U.S. might welcome a 5-seat 4-door vehicle that, by the time it is re-engineered for emissions, safety and speed, will approach its European base price of $4000.

At a top speed of 65 mph, the current power plant, a 0.8 Liter, 33 hp 2-cylinder engine will not provide the necessary horsepower to accelerate to cruising speed except in congested city driving. The Nano will also need to pass crash testing before sales can occur in the U.S. At $4000 to $6000 less than any of the other other mini-cars soon to appear on the market , The Tata Nano could be a product that is embraced in the U.S., where even a reliable used car can cost thousands more.

The basic Nano currently sold in India gets 56 miles per gallon and comes without air conditioning, stereo, or airbags, all of which can be added later. Tata Motors, a multinational corporation headquartered in Mumbai, is India's largest integrated automobile company and builds a line of 10 automobiles, utility vehicles, trucks, buses and defense vehicles.