Tata Nano, World's Cheapest Car, to Launch March 23

The Tata Nano will be launched March 23, according to itsmanufacturer, India's Tata Motors Ltd. The Nano will be the cheapestcar in the world when it's launched.

The micro-car will cost 100,000rupee ($2,082 USD) and will be launched at an event in Mumbai anddisplayed at Tata Motors' dealerships across the country from the firstweek of April, the AP reports. Tata Motors will start taking orders for the Nano starting the second week in April.Production of the Nano has causedviolent farmer protests and forced Tata to shut down its factory inWest Bengal state and relocate to the western state of Gujarat lastyear, delaying its planned launch at the end of 2008.The farmers were upset that thegovernment acquired 1,000 acres from them and handed it over to TataMotors for the Nano factory. The farmers felt they weren't compensatedenough for their land.When will the U.S. get the $2,082Tata Nano? It could be a great alternative for Americans who needtransportation but can't afford a more expensive car loan payment.

Image via paultan.org.