Iconic Cars that Led the Growth of India's Automotive Industry

India has a lot to be proud of, and one of them happens to be its growing automotive industry. Several legendary cars have been instrumental in bringing forward Indian automotive industry to where it is today. These cars spearheaded innovation and opened new segments and markets in India. Please take a look at these six car models that helped India make its name in the world of automotive!

Hindustan Motors Ambassador

Hindustan Motors began to produce cars after independence. The Hindustan Motors Ambassador was the first legendary model by the automaker. The Ambassador was inspired by the Morris' Oxford Series.

The first-generation Ambassador could churn out 55 hp of power, thanks to the 1.5-litre petrol engine. The Ambassador was unrivalled in popularity for the better part of three decades and was the car of choice for officialdom, netas and celebrities alike. And today, even after the automaker discontinued the model in 2013, it is still a significant part of India's automotive industry and holds a permanent place in the hall of fame.

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Premier Padmini

In 1964, Premier launched the Fiat 1100 Delight. The Premier Padmini was a straight-up competition to Hindustan Motor's beloved Ambassador.

But, Padmini boasted of a modern appeal that was easy to drive and highly fuel-efficient. The model became an instant hit amongst celebrities and youngsters.

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Mahindra Thar

Do you know that the Mahindra Thar was India's first-ever off-roader? Mahindra got into the business of making Willys jeep in 1949. This model was a 4-wheel drive off-roader.

Within 4 years, after Kaiser Motors bought it, the Mahindra CJ3A upgraded itself to CJ3B. Mitsubishi in Japan and Mahindra and Mahindra in India own the license for the CJ generation.

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Maruti Suzuki 800

The Maruti Suzuki 800 was India's game-changer in the automotive sector. This car had it all! The Suzuki 800 also enjoyed the most extended production in India. The model was a part of the Indian auto industry for about 31 years.

It is also worth mentioning that the Maruti Suzuki 800 was the highest-selling car till 2004. The Indian buyers loved the model for its decent features and budget-friendly pricing!

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Maruti Suzuki Gypsy

Maruti Suzuki Gypsy has ruled the Indian market for about 30 years. The model took inspiration from Suzuki Jimmy. This four-wheel-drive car boasted of edgy features. It was in massive demand amongst the Indian youth.

People claim that the off-road capabilities of this car are unmatchable. It has been a much favoured vehicle by the Indian Army for a few decades now. You should also know that Gypsy has served the interest of many rally racers as well.

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Hyundai Santro

The Hyundai Santro made its entry into the Indian market about 22 years ago as a competition to Maruti 800 and Zen. It was pretty much the first alternative offered in the budding hatchback segment at that point. It´s tall boy design caught everyone´s imagination and set the stage for future hatchback designs in India. It also had a powerful 999cc engine with new tech like multi-point fuel injection, which was unusual among hatchbacks, and made it exceedingly popular.

The Santro helped Hyundai establish itself in India and enjoyed phenomenal popularity until it was discontinued in 2015. It was revived again in 2018, and while it no longer enjoys the earlier level of popularity due to multiple options across brands in the same segment, it nevertheless, still maintains the emotional connect.

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Aren't these cars fantastic? These cars paved the way for India's automobile sector to catch up with the global markets!