Indian Automaker Moving into U.S. Market

Forbes auto columnist Jerry Flint notes that the emergence of Indian automaker Tata Motors has captured the attention of much of the automotive press.  The company has announced that it "plans to market a $2,500 vehicle called the Nano," in third-world markets.  Tata may enter the U.S. market at the other end of the scale, as Ford "is apparently close to accepting Tata's bid" to buy the luxury brands Land Rover and Jaguar.  Despite the publicity, Flint believes the hype about Tata is overrated.  "The huge capital requirements in the auto business, and the growing safety and environmental demands on manufacturers, make me a disbeliever" in plans for the small car.  Meanwhile, the Jaguar and Land Rover deals may not change those companies much.  Business Week notes, "With its overseas acquisitions, Tata typically leaves executives in place," and does not seek to make radical changes to products quickly.

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