These Automotive Brands Were Born In India

The Indian auto market is a rapidly growing one. While this is attracting many foreign auto makers to sell their products here, the lower manufacturing costs have also prompted them to set up facilities to build and assemble them here itself. Running head-to-head against these international marques are Indian auto makers, many of whom have been around in India for as long as 50 years and match the foreigners in technology, specs and design too. Here´s the lowdown on these Indian-born brands that we are proud to call one of our own.

Tata Motors

Tata Motors, a subsidiary of India-based Tata Group, has been in this business for nearly eight decades now. With years of experience, Tata Motors has risen to become one of India's leading auto brands.

Apart from the manufacturing plants all across India, TATA Motors also manufactures cars in South Africa, Thailand, Argentina, and United Kingdom. Buyers prefer TATA Motors for its reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Photo Credit: www.tatamotors.com

Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki is, today, a subsidiary of leading Japanese automobile and motorcycle brand, Suzuki. But the brand was formerly known as Maruti Udyog Limited, founded in 1981 and wholly owned by the government of India. In 2003, it was sold to the Suzuki Motor Corporation. Maruti Suzuki has been a household name in India for the past couple of decades and has launched some of the most popular and affordable cars in the market. Today, Maruti Suzuki boasts of having more than 933 dealerships in 666 different Indian cities.

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Hindustan Motors

Hindustan Motors started back in 1942 and is based out of Kolkata, West Bengal. Do you remember the famous Ambassador car? Yes, it was a model by Hindustan Motors. Ambassador was, for a couple of decades, the choice of official vehicle for VIPs and top-tier politicians. Although the Ambassador has been discontinued, Hindustan Motors now has a joint venture with Mitsubhishi under which it produces the Pajero Sport and Outlander. Recently, the car company sold the Ambassador brand to Peugeot Citroen which plans to revive it.

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Ashok Leyland

The whole of India's trade and transportation system relies on trucks and larger automobiles from Ashok Leyland. The brand holds a well-diverse portfolio in the auto industry.

You should also know that Ashok Leyland is more focused on producing commercial vehicles. Besides, Ashok Leyland also has a reputation for offering the best military vehicles.

Photo Credit: www.ashokleyland.com

Mahindra & Mahindra

This Indian auto brand is among the list of largest sellers and manufacturers of tractors worldwide. Apart from commercial vehicles, M&M also has launched many cars.

Renault Verito, Mahindra Thar, Bolero, XUV 500, Scorpio, and e20 are some of the popular cars by Mahindra & Mahindra. This auto brand competes against fellow-auto giants such as Ashok Leyland, Maru Suzuki, and Tata Motors.

Photo Credit: www.mahindra.com.bd

Eicher Motors

Eicher Motors is a popular commercial vehicle brand and parent compay to Royal Enfield motorcycles. It started out as the Goodearth company in 1948 for service and distribution of imported tractors. In 1959, the Eicher Tractor Corporation of India was established, jointly with Eicher Tractors, a german based company. In 1982, a collaboration with Mitsubhishi for manufacturing Light Commercial Vehicles led to the creation of Eicher Motors. In 1990, the same company acquired stake in Enfield India. Today, Eicher is no longer in the tractor business, but their motorcycle division, Enfield is globally famous. Also, they tied up with Volvo to produce the much popular Volvo buses.

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Force Motors Ltd.

Last but not least, Force Motors is yet another Indian multinational auto brand and India´s largest van maker. Previously known as Bajaj Tempo Motors, this company once manufactured the famous Tempo Matador, India´s first diesel powered light commercial vehicle. Today, Force Motors has expanded to include the Traveller range of LCVs used as ambulances and school buses, small commercial vehicles, multi-utility vehicles like Force Trax and the popular compact crossover SUV, Force Gurkha.

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Aren't you proud to know India's significant contribution to the automotive industry? Besides, some India-born auto brands are renowned worldwide for their excellent engineering and quality!