The Indian automobile industry is one of the largest in the world, second only to China. India is the fastest growing market in the world! Primary growth factors such as an increase in disposable income, a decrease in age of buyers, higher consumer awareness and an increase in demand for car ownership have fueled this growth. However, the Indian automobile industry had humble beginnings post-independence. In the initial years after independence buying a car was a very expensive proposition. There were only a handful of car companies selling cars in India at that time. The cars sold in India were not manufactured here, they were imported – this resulted in additional expenses. Owning a car in India during the 1960s till the mid-1970s was considered a status symbol and often only for the rich class. Hence, the dream of owning a car for most Indians was a distant one. Quite a contrast to the times we live in today! Today owning a car is no longer considered a status symbol as they have become more accessible and easier to purchase. The Ambassador, Contessa by Hindustan Motors and the Premier Padmini were the only prominent Indian car around (after 1958). However, they were never really considered affordable family cars or in other words a mass-market Indian car. There was a void and huge demand for an affordable family car for the Indian masses. Maruti Suzuki a joint venture between Maruti Udyog Limited and Suzuki Motors of Japan – filled this void and introduced the Maruti 800 to the Indian market…and the rest is history!
The Maruti 800 was a small hatchback perfectly suited for the city. The 800 was based on the Suzuki Fronte – a compact car sold by Suzuki in Japan. The original Maruti 800 (1983 year model) adopted a boxy but aerodynamic design. It was not only the most aerodynamic car in India at the time of launch, but also one of the most aerodynamic Maruti Suzuki had ever produced. Over the years the 800 has gone through several design changes. The Maruti 800 holds the distinction for being the first front-wheel powered car sold in India, unlike the other cars – HM Ambassador, Contessa and Premier Padmini which were powered by rear wheels. Selling a front-wheel powered car proved to be a masterstroke for Maruti Suzuki, as this allowed the 800 to reduce weight – it was by far the lightest car around in the Indian market! The lightweight of the Maruti 800 aided handling but did not compromise on safety and reliability even at high speeds. The 800 was a small car, despite its compact dimensions passengers could sit comfortably. On the inside, the cabin was a very basic one with only the essentials, being a car of Japanese origin, the emphasis was on practicality and passenger comfort. To the many Indians who had only dreamed of owning a car, the Maruti 800 interiors were more than sufficient. The Maruti 800 was powered by an 800cc petrol engine which also powered the Suzuki Fronte. The 800 was launched at a price of around Rs.50000, making it truly a car Indians could afford. The demand for the 800 was huge this resulted in long waiting periods often going into several months.
The Maruti 800 is the second longest production car sold in India – second only to the HM Ambassador. Within a span of over 3 decades (1983-2004) the Maruti 800 has sold over 2.87 million units making it perhaps the most influential, successful car in India. The 800 is also amongst the best-selling cars of all time. The Maruti 800 is a product that exhibits the might of the Indian automobile industry – a product made for India, made in India and exported to several countries across the world. A product that all Indians can be proud of! The Maruti Suzuki Alto which was introduced as a replacement for the 800 in 2004, carries on the legacy in a legendary manner having very high demand outselling competitors in the segment. The Maruti 800 will be remembered for many more years to come as the car that made Indians realize their motoring dreams!
