India’s Five Most Beloved Cars

Though Indian roads are flooded with cars, they weren’t always so popular in our country. The first instance of a car running on our roads occurred in 1897, but it wasn’t until late 1940s that we started manufacturing cars. However, nationalization and license-raj kept the industry from growing, and it wasn’t until after 1970 that the industry finally picked up pace. After restrictions were placed on the import of vehicles, Japanese manufacturers entered the Indian market, which consequently led to the establishment of Maruti Udyog. And thus began India’s whirlwind romance with four-wheelers, which only grows stronger by the day.

In terms of area, India is the seventh largest country, and the second largest country in terms of population. With over 1.2 billion residents, there is no doubt that the number of vehicles on our roads must be huge too. Statistically speaking, the Indian passenger and commercial vehicle manufacturing industry is the sixth largest in the world, and we are also the sixth largest producers of passenger vehicles. Passenger vehicles constitute for 16-18 per cent of the Indian automobile segment, with a registered sale of three million units during 2011-12. Data collected by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) reveals that this segment recorded a growth of 2.9 per cent in the fiscal year of 2011-12. Going by the figures and stats, it has been established that cars are an important part of the lives of most Indian families.

Here is a low down of the cars that have ruled Indian hearts since time immemorial.

Maruti 800 and Maruti Alto:
Maruti Suzuki is a phenomenon that needs no introduction, and neither do its two-bestselling cars, i.e Maruti 800 and Alto. The two have always been known as Maruti’s bread-and-butter cars since their launch, and their massive success are proof enough. Upon its launch in 1983, 800 brought about a revolutionary change as it mobilized Indians, and went on to sell more than 2.5 million units. This modernized version of SS80 Suzuki Fronte retained the title of the bestselling car in India until 2004, and then 800’s successor, Maruti Alto, took over. Launched in 2000, this hatchback went on to become the second Maruti Suzuki car to cross the 2 million mark. Alto attained such massive success in a very short span of time, i.e. just 11 years and 9 months.

Hindustan Amabssador:
 This was officially the first car to be manufactured in India, and is also known as the ‘bureaucrat car’. Despite the fact that it is modeled on Morris Oxford III, it is looked upon as a very Indian car and is also fondly referred to as ‘The King of Indian roads’. The Amby has achieved a sales figure of over four million since its launch in 1958. Hindustan Motors is now working at introducing the mandatory BS IV compliant engine, along with some cosmetic changes in the revamped version of this iconic car.

Premier Padmini:
Compared to Hindustan Ambassador, Premier Padmini had a very limited market, but it yet found a way into the Indian hearts and continued to rule Indian roads for three decades. It was first known as Fiat 1100 Delight when it was first launched in 1964, and was then sold as Premier President in 1973. It eventually gained identity as Premier Padmini and became the first car to pose a challenge to Hindustan Ambassador’s monopoly in the market. Padmini’s other claim to fame is its popularity as the Mumbai cab, a title bestowed upon the car almost 40 years ago.

Maruti Gypsy:
This 4WD SUV by Maruti Suzuki is probably the first stylish off-roader to be seen on Indian roads. This sturdy car has been in the country for twenty-seven years now, and has fared well in reference to sales statistics, even though its main demand comes from the Indian defense circle. Even though it may have lost the race to more stylish and refined SUVs like Ford Endeavour and Honda CRV, it continues to be a favorite among the racing enthusiasts of the country.

Hyundai Santro:
This legendary hatchback first made its debut in India in 1999, and went on to be one of the bestselling cars in India, primarily due its features and price. Santro Xing then succeeded the first generation Indian version of the Hyundai Atos in 2003, which continued to enjoy the same success in the country as it clocked a sales figure of 7000 every month.

CarDekho.com is the best online portal for information on new cars, sell a car and used cars in Chennai. Your decision on car trade is made simpler with features like Car Comparison, discounts, exact on-road prices, user & expert reviews, car community and so on. Keep yourself updated for more details on Renault Scala Price in India and Mahindra Quanto price in Indiaat CarDekho.com