India’s Tata Motors is all set to launch the cheapest car in the automobile history. It will be a landmark in the ever-growing trend for the low-cost vehicles. The Rs 100,000 ($2,467) car is expected to hit the roads by Q3 of next year and we might see it earlier at the Auto Expo in Delhi in the month of January next year.

The entry-level four-door, petrol powered 600cc car will be introduced in India first of all but it might make its way to Malaysia, Indonesia and Africa. Currently, the cheapest car offered in India is the Maruti 800 developed by Suzuki’s Maruti, which sells for over $4,000. The launch of the car will be keenly watched by the big names such as Toyota, General Motors and Ford Motor, which have rolled out cheap cars in India, Russia, China and other promising markets.

Well, Renault-Nissan is also being reported to be working on an ultra-cheap car. Tata’s new cheap car will not be build to match the European safety and emissions norms. Ravi Kant, Tata Motors’ managing director said:

Construction on the plant in West Bengal where the car will be made was delayed by a land dispute. However, Tata was ‘on track’ to launch the vehicle in the second to third quarter of 2008.

By launching the world’s cheapest car, India will stimulate its position as one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Via: FT / Global-Cool76031