When Green Gets Too Tiny for Comfort

The Smart Car and all its relatives -- those tiny but incredibly efficient autos -- have begun popping up in growing numbers in the U.S., primarily in urban areas. So it should not have been a surprise with the Tata Nano, a super cheap version of driving small and green, announced it was ready for the U.S. market in 2012.

But it hasn't exactly taken the market by storm. Why? With a top speed of 65 mph and a cramped interior, the Nano just hasn't draw the affection of green-thinking consumers in the same numbers as has the Smart Car, Austin Mini or Fiat 500. With a shockingly plain jane interior and no option for A/C, it has been hard for the Nano--at two feet shorter than the Mini--to gain many fans.