Motorcycle, scooter and moped manufacturers in India are worried. Since Tata announced their ultra-cheap Nano, the two-wheeled industry is abuzz with worry that the populace will quickly abandon their old single-track vehicles for the safety and convenience of a four-wheeler if the price points get too close. This is a rational concern, and it is exactly why Tata's created the Nano in the first place.

In an effort to persuade buyers to stick with their bikes, the major manufacturers in India, including Bajaj, Honda and Kinetic, are all working on natural gas options for their various offerings. According to this article, each of these companies has contacted Energtek, a leader in absorbed natural gas (ANG) technology for help in implementing the conversion process. The advantages to using the ANG lie primarily with price, however there are also eco-benefits to be had, as natural gas burns cleaner than other fossil-fuels. We have to wonder, though, what would stop companies like Tata from using similar technology in their low-priced automobiles.

Related:

• VIDEO: Live reveal of the $2,500 Tata Nano
• Here's the $2,500 Tata Nano, the Indian peoples car

[Source: Red Orbit]

There is a rather large contingent of Americans who still view the moped as a viable means of getting around. Back in the '70s, mopeds were a common sight on our roads, at least ones that didn't have a high speed-limit. But, these days, the humble moped has fallen out of style, being replaced with electric bicycles, scooters and even cheap or hand-me-down cars.

For Nick Girard, Tom Sands, and Kevin Corkrum, from Champlain College, there is no better way to see the sights then cruising at a gingerly 30 miles per hour. I can see the merit to taking your time while you have the chance to, and take a moment to consider the cost savings in gasoline by using the small, under 50cc engines. Getting over 100 miles per gallon on a moped is completely commonplace, even when traveling at the maximum velocity possible. The students will be retracing the path of Horatio Nelson Jackson's first-ever cross-country trip in an automobile more than 100 years ago. If you want to follow their trip, take a gander at the site http://www.mopedcountry.com.

[Source: Motorcycle USA]