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Car That Revolutionised The Indian Automobile Industry – Maruti 800
As India prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence Day, let us take a look at the car that revolutionised the Indian Automobile Industry - Maruti 800. In fact, for many people, the Maruti 800 is the first car they've owned.
Looking back in time, owning a car in India was seen as a luxury in the 1980's. With only the Fiat and the Ambassador available, the idea of a new, modern car seemed distant. However, the arrival of the Maruti 800 changed this perception.
The Maruti 800 was technologically advanced compared to its competitors. It was smaller, lighter, and easier to drive and maintain. Additionally, it offered better mileage. This small car replaced the Bajaj scooter as the dream vehicle of the Indian middle class and paved the way for other car companies that followed.
When Maruti opened bookings on April 9, 1983, it immediately resonated with Indian buyers. In fact, more than 1 lakh customers eagerly put down an advance of Rs 10,000 during the pre-launch phase. By June 8, just two months after bookings opened, orders had crossed a staggering 1.35 lakh units.
The Maruti 800 quickly became a favourite among both rich and poor. Its dependability and ease of maintenance won over Indians' hearts. People were so eager to own it that even the wealthy competed with the general public for early delivery simply for bragging rights.
At the time of its launch, the Maruti 800 cost Rs 52,500 in the capital city. Deliveries began on December 14, 1983, coinciding with Sanjay Gandhi's birth anniversary. The first ten allottees received their keys from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi herself. Harpal Singh, an Indian Airlines employee who sold his Fiat to buy a Maruti 800, received the first car.
The Maruti 800 continued to receive upgrades throughout its lifespan while maintaining its popularity. It clocked a cumulative production of one lakh units in 1986-87 and crossed five lakh units by 1992-93. By 1996-97, it had doubled to ten lakh units and reached fifteen lakh units by 1999-2000.
The small car went from strength to strength with Maruti 800 production crossing 20 lakh units in 2002-03 and 25 lakh units in 2005-06. Despite attempts by others like Tata Nano to challenge it later on, it reigned as India's numero uno 'people's car'.
The Maruti Udyog Ltd., a public sector enterprise at that time, became a dominant force in the automotive industry due to this small car's success. MSI Chairman RC Bhargava once remarked how everyone thought this project would fail but proved them wrong.
After selling over 27 lakh units of Maruti 800 hatchbacks across India and covering countless kilometres, production of the Maruti 800 finally ended in 2014 due to stricter BS4 emissions norms making it unviable to continue production. The relatively younger Alto took its place as an entry-level car.
The legend of the Maruti 800 lives on as it not only altered personal mobility in India but also laid down strong foundations for future advancements within India's automotive sector.
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