The United States — home of the big family car and the sports utility vehicle — is about to become the newest market for the world's cheapest car — the tiny Indian-built Tata Nano.

Tata motors said Tuesday it would like to introduce the Nano to American drivers within three years.

The car sells for about $3000 in India. But U.S. regulations and safety requirements would likely push the price in American dealers to about $10,000, much lower than the average price of a new U.S. or Japanese-built car.

Nano sales have been disappointing in India. But company executives say the United States is a very enticing market. Tata is also modifying the Nano for European markets.