WORLD'S CHEAPEST WHEELS FOR INDIAN SHOW

+ Click to Enlarge FOUR TIMES AS MUCH: The Tata Indica is the Indian automaker's least expensive car sold in South Africa but it's still nearly four times as much as the proposed 'people's car' due in 2008.

December 20, 2007

India's Tata Motors will unveil the world's cheapest car at an auto show in India in January 2008 while simultaneously planning to buy Jaguar and Land Rover.

Astoundingly, the car will cost only $2500 - about
R17 500 - and will be launched in 2008 at the New Delhi Auto Expo. The cheapest car in South Africa is the Chevrolet Spark 800cc hatchback at R64 300 - nearly four times as much.

The cheapest Tata currently available in SA is the Indica at R76 995 - whether the super-cheapie will reach the country remains to be seen.

The company has promised to sell the new car for 100 000 rupees but some analysts say higher raw material costs may push the price of the "people's car" closer to $3 000.

India's Bajaj Auto Nissan are looking into the feasibility of making a $3 000 car.

It was reported on Wednesday that Tata Motors, valued at $6.8-billion, has offered $2.05-billion for Ford's Jaguar and Land Rover and that the deal could be signed in the first quarter of 2008. - Reuters