Since the 1990s of the last century, India began to develop Automotive industry. Many people still think that in India only the elephant is a means of transportation, but this is not true at all. Of course Indian cars are no different highest level design, as well as a modernized set of options and high functionality, however, such leading production companies Indian cars mobiles like Tata, Mahindra and Maruti are moving further and further in the global automobile industry.
Thus, we see that Indian cars from the Tata manufacturer regularly appear at various car shows.
One of the Tata lines includes a set of Indica hatchbacks, Indigo sedans and Indigo SW station wagons. These cars have such technical characteristics as a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with a power of 85 Horse power.
Nowadays Indian cars are not limited to passenger cars. For example, Tata also specializes in the production of heavy trucks.
It is worth noting that Indian cars are not cheap. For example, in the UK, an Indian car costs about £20,000. In the Russian market, if the Tata SUV is assembled in Russia, it will cost about $16,000.
The high price is due to the original design of both the exterior and interior. Indian car makers do not copy designs from other famous car manufacturers. If this happens, then the manufacturer pays for the creation of the design by freelance developers. For example, the five-seater hatchback Mint model from Tata became an Indian car only by country of origin, since its creators were mainly French. The car's engine was developed by La Moteur Moderne, and the design was created by the Italian studio I.De.A.
Companies such as the Maini Group of Bangalore JV, Reva Electric Car Company and AEV LLC of USA have developed an Indian car that can run on fuel cells. This prototype operates on a so-called flexible platform, which changes according to the size of the hydrogen tank. This operating principle was called Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM). This system means that electricity is generated by chemical reaction, in which he participates hydrogen fuel and oxygen.
Another popular Indian automobile concern is Mahindra. This enterprise initially specialized as a manufacturer of tractors, all-terrain vehicles and other agricultural equipment.
The start of the Mahindra campaign begins during the Second World War, as a result of the fact that two brothers named Mahindra decided to establish in India automobile production. One of the founders of the company, John Mahindra, was the head of the Indian diplomatic mission in Washington. And in order to create his own company, he decided to quit his diplomatic career and devote himself entirely to creating the company Mahindra and Mohammed. And his brother, Clark Mahindra, in turn, served as the First Deputy Minister of Finance of Pakistan. And he also gave up everything to become an entrepreneur.
Thus, the Indian car manufacturing company Mahindra & Mahindra began production of analogues of the popular Willys-Overland all-terrain vehicle in 1945. And the first car from Mahindra & Mahindra was released only in 1965.
And since the 1980s, Mahindra & Mahindra began to specialize in the production of phaetons and pickups with a carrying capacity of 815 kg (Willys CJ-3B license), and then began assembling improved models (Jeep CJ-7 and CJ-8 license).
The company also began to create new Commander models. These are three- and five-door 8-seater station wagons of the CL series, as well as their 5-seater Commander Marchal versions with folding back row seats.
Indian car manufacturing companies are developing more and more actively and are introducing modified models every year.
Indian cars as an objective reality
The Indian car is not science fiction or an oxymoron. The world does not stand still, and the third world is no exception in this regard.
Since the 90s of the last century, Indian cars have become firmly established in the lives of the large population of the entire Indochina. And if the inhabitants of our Far East have already become closely acquainted with the results of the automobile industry of the Celestial Empire, then India still remains for us the birthplace of elephants and malaria.
Meanwhile, in India it is the car, and not the elephant, that is the means of transportation. True, Indian cars cannot yet boast of either a radical design, an unearthly set of functions, or outstanding quality. However, the leading Indian automobile manufacturing company Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (TELCO) does not despair and is making every effort to promote its products on the world market.
Thus, the Tata line of cars regularly appears at international shows, which, according to the developers, should become people's cars, first in India, and then throughout the region.
The Tata line is a set of Indica hatchbacks, Indigo sedans and Indigo SW station wagons. The technical characteristics are as follows: a 1.4-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 85 horsepower. Likewise for diesel engines.
Indian cars are not limited to the concept of “passenger car”. The same Tata produces light and heavy trucks. In short, the whole range of services, a wide range, the target audience not limited.
Although the international community does not share such optimistic views. This is largely due to the notorious “price-quality” ratio. Thus, after a systematic reduction in prices due to low demand for products in the UK, an Indian car costs around 20,000 pounds sterling.
Indian cars cannot be called cheap for the Russian market either. Provided that the line of SUVs will be assembled in Russia, the estimated price of an average SUV will be around $16,000.
Such a considerable cost of an Indian car is explained by the original development. Unlike its neighbors, India did not take the path of unceremoniously copying other people's ideas and decided to pay for them honestly. As a result, the five-seater Tata Mint hatchback alone became an Indian car only by country of origin, because both the French (the engine was developed by La Moteur Moderne) and the Italians (the design was made by the I.De.A studio) had a hand in its creation.
And so it is with almost every model, which is why the idea of creating a people's Indian car seems feasible, if feasible, then not in this century.
Along with this, one cannot fail to note the creative delights of manufacturers, who every now and then present Indian concept cars to the public. For example, last time it was the Tata Crossover and the Cliffrider pickup truck.
Now Reva Electric Car Company, Maini Group of Bangalore JV and AEV LLC of USA have developed an Indian car powered by fuel cells. This prototype operates on a “flexible” platform that changes according to the size of the hydrogen tank.
The operating principle is called Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM). This means that electricity is produced by a chemical reaction involving hydrogen fuel and oxygen.
Indian Bajaj Auto will present the world's cheapest car - Qute - on the Russian market. The price of the new product starts at 250 thousand rubles. Cheapest so far new car in Russia - Chinese Lifan Smily for 320 thousand rubles.
Bajaj Qute car (Photo: AP)
Sales of Qute in Russia will begin in March-April 2016, Alexander Alekseev, CEO of East West Motors (EWM, Bajaj distributor in Russia), told RBC. in winter the car will pass a series of tests on Russian roads. In 2016, the distributor plans to sell 200-300 Indian Qute.
Up to 70 km/h
Qute went into production in September 2015. This is a four-seater car with a single-cylinder gasoline engine from a motorcycle with a power of 13.5 hp. With such power unit A 400-kilogram car can accelerate to 70 km/h. Claimed fuel consumption is less than 2.8 liters per 100 km. Methane and propane versions are planned. In India, the model costs $2 thousand, which makes it the cheapest in the world. Until now, this title belonged to another Indian " people's car" - Tata Nano, the cost of which starts from $3 thousand.
According to documents, Qute is classified as quad And cycle (this category of vehicles in Russia is allowed to travel on public roads). To manage it in Russia you need automotive category right - V. The car will be sold at a price of 250 thousand rubles.
It is unlikely that Qute will be popular in Russia, says Sergei Udalov, executive director of Avtostat: for the same money you can buy a car with more functionality and comfort at secondary market. The car may be interesting as a commercial vehicle due to its low operating cost, for example for courier delivery, says Alekseev.
In September, EWM launched Pulsar motorcycles produced by Bajaj Auto in Russia. The company currently has eight dealers in eight cities. The Qute will be sold through the same dealers and Bajaj three-wheelers are also planned. In 2016, EWM expects to expand dealer network up to 50 salons. In the future, if sales grow, the distributor does not rule out localizing Qute in Russia.
Cheap cars from Asia
Tata Nano
The Indian company Tata Motors presented Tata car Nano in 2008. In 2009, the car went on sale in India at a price minimum configuration 100 thousand rupees ($2.5 thousand). By February 2015, the price had risen to approximately $3 thousand. The Tata Nano engine power is estimated at 33 hp, the top speed is 100 km/h. The car successfully passed Indian crash tests, but the test European standards showed the utmost low level security.
Chery QQ
The Chinese company Chery Automobile produces Chery car QQ since 2003. The price of the car on the European market is estimated at approximately €5 thousand. The car is sometimes called a pirated copy of the Chevrolet/Daewoo Matiz. Engine power is 53 hp, and maximum speed— 100 km/h.
Maruti 800
The Indian company Maruti Udyog produced the Maruti 800 from 1984 to 2007, producing a total of 53.2 thousand cars. From 1988 to 1992, the car was sold in some European markets under the name Suzuki Maruti. The price of the car is about $5 thousand. In 2005, a version of the car that complied with Euro-3 standards appeared on the Indian market. The car can accelerate to 125 km/h.
Bajaj Auto is the largest Indian manufacturer of motor vehicles (motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, etc.). The annual production volume reaches 4 million pieces. Part of the diversified holding Bajaj Group, founded in 1926. According to Research & Markets, in 2014, Bajaj Auto was ranked third among motorcycle companies and 97th in the top 100 largest companies world, according to Forbes. Bajaj Auto owns 47% of the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM and cooperates with Japanese Kawasaki in Asian markets.
In 2015, the manufacturer reached foreign markets, expecting to bring supplies to other countries (55 in total) to 1.5 million motorcycles - this is 62% of all motorcycle exports in India, reports the local business publication Business Standard. Since 2013, Bajaj has been supplying motorcycles and auto-rickshaws to Ukraine.
Attracts talented designers from around the world - leading companies hire foreign specialists to collaborate on new models, while major Indian corporations acquire foreign design companies.
India's rapidly growing automotive sector is constantly on the lookout for international automotive talent, and in recent times many of the biggest manufacturing corporations cars hire designers and engineers from around the world. Unlike the US, where the auto industry is in crisis, Indian two- and four-wheeler manufacturing is booming with record sales in fiscal 2009-10.
Top talent, including designers, engineers and researchers, who recognize the enormous growth potential in India's emerging automotive sector, are poised to relocate to the country for medium to long-term contracts.
A senior executive from Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL), the country's largest car maker, visited Detroit earlier this year to meet designers and engineers in the 'Engine City' and offer them jobs in India. The Executive Director (Engineering) of MSIL, Mr. I. V. Rao, has succeeded in fulfilling his mission - eight Detroit engineers specializing in the design, styling and modeling of new cars, as well as engine development and production, are now employees MSIL. Some of the US engineers and designers are of Indian origin and readily accepted the offer to work for Maruti.
According to Mr. Rao, those talented professionals from different countries, who are now being brought into the company, will help release new innovative models, and will also contribute to the training of engineers already working in the company.
“For a very long time, our resources were limited,” says Mr. Rao. “We received new developments from Suzuki and carried out testing and improvements here. We had very few experienced designers working for us, which significantly complicated the implementation of new projects.”
“The collaboration of designers from other countries will help manufacturing companies train their designers and will be able to transfer the latest scientific and technical data to them,” emphasizes Mr. Rao.
Other major Indian car makers, including Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Auto and Royal Enfield, are also in talks with overseas car designers to bring them on board and expand their domestic design capabilities.
In recent times, many foreign designers are also visiting India to meet top officials of domestic Indian development companies and car manufacturers. These designers have extensive experience and knowledge in the development and simulation of hybrid drives, engines and transmissions.
The largest manufacturing company two-wheelers Bajaj Auto has recently partnered with Edgar Heinrich of BMW Motorcycles, who now heads the development and design department. “The global community is beginning to recognize the changes taking place in the Indian automobile industry, in which innovative developments in the field of design,” emphasizes Heinrich. The Pune-headquartered company has launched a range of latest motorcycles to compete with international giants, including Harley-Davidson, which are looking to enter the Indian market.
To organize the design and development process of cars, Royal Enfield hired Venky Padmanabhan, offering him the position of head of production. After receiving his PhD in industrial engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, Padmanabhan worked as part of the advanced engineering group at American company General Motors, participated in the work of the automotive department Daimler Chrysler Mercedes, and also served as executive director of global logistics strategy in countries Southeast Asia, and finally became the head of the production department at Royal Enfield.
“We are planning to launch electronic fuel injection models in India,” says Padmanabhan. Royal Enfi eld plans to sell around 50,000 motorcycles this year.
According to V.G. Ramakrishnan, Senior Director, Automotive & Transportation Sector, Frost & Sullivan, the new focus on engineering and design reflects Indian automakers' intent to expand into global markets Changes in the global auto industry that have occurred as a result of the economic downturn in the US and Europe, at the same time contributed to a “reverse brain drain”, when many designers began to look for work in India and China. Pininfarina, the legendary Italian automobile design company, is now also looking for a “knight on a white horse” to help cope with the crisis. At one time there were reports that a major Indian car manufacturer was planning to acquire Italian company, but since many leading specialists had already left, the deal never took place.
Design aspects such as pre-production prototypes and clay model making, which are commonly used in France, UK and Italy, are now being adopted by many automakers in India as well. Both domestic and foreign automobile manufacturing companies are investing heavily in design centers in India, both for development and optimization of human resources.
While GM and Chrysler opened scientific and technical centers in Bangalore, Renault has set up a design center in . Such R&D departments not only undertake projects exclusively for India, but also carry out projects for their parent companies.
“The main goal of establishing a full-fledged design studio in India was to gain experience from Indian designers, as well as knowledge of the local market, tastes and preferences,” says Jean-Philippe Salard, lead designer and head of design at Renault Design India. Renault's design studio, which employs 16 people, acts as a satellite center for the main company in Paris, he said. “Over the past 30 months, our studio has been performing complex model design for Indian market, and now I’m ready to carry out Renault projects for any country,” he emphasizes.
Some major Indian car manufacturers have also started acquiring foreign design organizations. A number of partnerships have formed between local and international companies over the past few months, highlighting the importance of this aspect of the automotive industry, while the trend of worldwide consolidation shifts the focus towards cutting-edge, eye-catching car bodies.
Indian automakers are now looking to acquire overseas design centers to achieve advanced product manufacturing, modernize their R&D departments, and become more competitive through better cost allocation.
Technological vehicle major Mahindra & Mahindra recently acquired Italian automotive design, development, body styling and technical implementation analysis company G.R. Grafi ca Ricerca Design Srl (GRD) with head office in Turin. With this move, M&M plans to set up an overseas design center for the group and also cater to the needs of foreign manufacturers automotive equipment.
“The synergies that will arise from this acquisition will not only help us enhance our design capabilities, but will also contribute to our company's growth as a major international automotive design center,” explains Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, M&M.
“The complementary capabilities of both Mahindra and GRD will help modernize new vehicle development capabilities, provide a solid footing for M&M's operations in Europe and enable maximum use of technology, as well as the full application of the knowledge of highly skilled specialists, namely the talented designers and engineers engaged in work in the company."
While foreign companies are moving their automotive manufacturing bases to Asian countries, design firms are opening their offices in India to carry out support work here after the model development stage. Many foreign design centers are now also experiencing a period of crisis, in particular due to the fact that car manufacturers have begun to carry out most of the design work within their organizations. More and more such firms are now ready to sell stakes in their company in the hope of restoring their position in the market.
Design will be the main element that distinguishes the company on the international market, since indicators such as dynamics, quality and cost of the car have already become categories of wide demand.
Arun Jaura, head of research and development at Eaton Corporation, says: “The main goal of Indian manufacturers now is to increase resources, and acquiring design organizations in economically developed countries is the most quick way achieve this goal. Since talented engineers and designers are always at a premium, international automobile manufacturers and suppliers will set up dependent design centers in India and other developing countries.”
Dilip Chhabria, CEO of DC Design, adds: “The current trend of Indian manufacturers acquiring design companies essentially implements the idea of offshoring.”
S. D. Pradhan, Chief Executive Officer of Argentum Engineering Design - which was founded by B.V.R. Subbu, former head of the Indian branch Hyundai company Motors - says the organization positioned itself as a design company and worked with prototype manufacturers on a contract basis. Argentum has partnered with Dassault Systemes, a French software firm, to provide leading-edge powertrain solutions to various companies.
As the Indian automobile industry confidently steps on the accelerator and adds speed to its journey, research, design and engineering are firmly positioned in the country's overall strategy to reach the pinnacle of global leadership.
Russian consumers are almost unfamiliar with the products of the Indian automobile industry. And in in rare cases, when the Russian car enthusiast community talks about cars coming off assembly lines in India, this news is most often perceived with a noticeable amount of skepticism and irony. But it's actually not all that bad. However, first things first.
Features of the Indian car market
It just so happens that models produced in a given country are a priori perceived in the same vein as an infinite number of faceless Chinese stamps, designed and assembled in haste. But today India is the concentration of enormous industrial capacities. Its industry exhibits one of the highest growth rates in the world, just like China.
However, unlike the Chinese auto industry, such high growth dynamics of the industrial sector did not lead to the emergence of automotive market many similar brands.
Although for the most part the cars are kept in the same spirit. The main differences between Indian cars are high efficiency, comical compactness, characteristic even cargo models, and in most cases - low quality products.
Local designers do not hesitate to use plagiarism methods in the development of their machines, which was especially evident in the period from the 1980s to the 2000s.
All small Indian cars until the early 2000s were designed in a conservative spirit. With the outlines of the body and roofs made of fabrics, they were very reminiscent of rickshaws.
Since 2003, the automotive industry in this country has begun to be restructured in accordance with the guidelines for the European consumer. It is from this moment that the features of modern European models begin to be traced in Indian cars. Basically, of course, it’s gloss and smooth lines.
Leading brands
The Indian auto industry produces a number of cars from manufacturing giants at the regional level, the main ones being Mumbai-based Chinkara Motors, Force Motors, Hindustan Motors, Mahindra, Bajaj Auto, and Tata Motors.
The range of cars of most of these manufacturers, compared with Chinese or Korean brands, is quite narrow, with the exception of the last one listed.
However, in the period 2003 - 2012. All of them have found their niche in the global car market and have established the production of fairly diversified products. Both in terms of type, price and quality.
Therefore, consider cars Indian stamps follows based on several key characteristics. These include price, dimensions, technical indicators, demand, diversity of the model range. Based on these criteria, appropriate ratings will be built.
The cheapest and smallest models
It's worth starting with them. The cheapest Indian car is the Tata Nano from the manufacturer Tata Motors.
This machine is distinguished by both a low price (around $2,500) and miniature dimensions. Among the main advantages of the car, it is worth mentioning only the bright design, which was developed with the assistance of Italian designers. Otherwise, even a small price for a car is offset by customs duties, increasing by 2 times.
In India, the model is in great demand due to its efficiency and maneuverability, which are so valued in urban traffic conditions.
The strength of the vehicle is minimal, as is its weight (600 kg), but the top speed does not exceed 100 km/h. The length of the car is 3.1 m, the width is 1.6 m. Low price The machine is ensured by minimizing parts: bolts, seals, luggage partition, mirrors and power steering.
Mahindra Gio is often the most preferred car from Indian taxi drivers rural areas. A minimum of frills and bells and whistles - a maximum of open space.
The car does not have doors or air conditioning; it is used mainly for private transportation or tourist excursions as an alternative to the Indian elephant. Cost - 2800 thousand dollars. The height of the car is 1.6 m, the length is 2.4 m, the width is 1.5 m. And this weighs 700 kg.
Quad bike and three-wheeled “Ant”
Another Indian car that can be purchased not only in its homeland, but also in the CIS countries is the Bajaj Cute from Bajaj Auto.
It is worth saying that this manufacturer initially specialized only in the production of motorcycles, and this was reflected in the release of their first budget car, Bajaj Cute, weighing only 400 kg, developing a speed of 70 km/h and being a lightweight ATV. car body.
The price rarely exceeds 320 thousand rubles. As befits an ATV in a car body, the product does not have much interior space, but is quite suitable for trips around the farmland. In general, the Indian Bajaj car looks more like a golf cart.
Another one cheap car- a three-wheeled Force Minidor, the production of which ceased in 2009. From 1996 to 2009, a huge number of this Indian version of Ant were released. Its price ranges from $950-1300 depending on the year of manufacture. The model is different high lifting capacity and poor cornering stability. The weight of the Minidor is so light that it can be easily lifted by 2 adults.
The best large cars
Now it’s worth paying attention to them too. Leader in supplies of Indian cars large class Force Motors, Mahindra, Tata Motors perform.
"Force Motors" are largest producer cargo cars and passenger minibuses. Two of their most popular products: Tempo Excel Commuter - powerful seven-meter buses with a number of seats from 18 to 30. Used in enterprises and for regular trips passenger transportation. The second one is Citiline School Bus. This is a big one school bus with a capacity of 24 people from the same manufacturer.
Mahindra Maxximo is a small but heavy-duty vehicle that is in demand among Indian construction companies. The robust structure of the cargo compartment and wheel configuration, combined with a reliable chassis, make it indispensable for Indian farmers and builders.
Tata Magic is a small minibus with a fancy design that pleasantly surprises with its functionality. It has only three doors, but the build quality of the car is quite high for the Indian automobile industry. For its unusual body shape, this Indian car, the photo of which is presented above, received the name “Wild Indian Boar”. The main percentage of buyers of the model are bakers and owners of small grocery stores, since the cargo compartment of the car can quickly and easily be equipped with shelves for food.
Crossovers
SUVs and SUVs are very popular in India. The Mahindra Bolero, for example, has gained a reputation as the "Jeep" of India. Moreover, both due to good maneuverability and based on external similarities. All-wheel drive crossover equipped with seats for 7 people, assembled using fully automatic assembly technology in accordance with European standards, and is a quite decent, comfortable car, designed for some foreign markets.
In the exterior of the Tata Safari, the image of the English Land Rover is clearly visible; the mesh radiator grille that the developers use is especially striking. What distinguishes this SUV from other crossovers is the presence of a three-liter turbodiesel engine 150 horsepower, ABS system and high-quality mechanical transmission. In Russia, an Indian car can be purchased for 950 thousand rubles (basic equipment).
The Scorpio is another creation from Mahindra. The car is similar in characteristics to the Safari model. It has a diesel engine and is available in automatic and manual transmission versions. The Scorpio has the widest range of engine options of any Indian SUV. This model is also popular on the Russian market. The price of a car in Russia ranges from 850 to 950 thousand rubles.
Tata Sumo Grande is another seven-seater crossover from Tata. The first thing that catches your eye when getting acquainted with the car is the interior, which is atypically luxurious for Indian cars. The upholstery is made of high-quality leather, neatly finished panels and dashboard, and complete uniformity of textures is impressive. A properly functioning air conditioner, power windows and mirror adjustments are nice little things that make the car stand out from other Indian crossovers.
Best Selling Models
The sales leader among Indian cars in 2016 is the Tata Indica - one of the most interesting hatchbacks (photo above). Functional small Indian car. In 2016, the car was sold in the amount of 48 thousand units worldwide.
Mahindra Bolero sold 100,214 units in 2016.
The Tata Vista was slightly behind the Indica and posted a sales figure of 42,163 units.
Another sales leader from India is the Mahindra Scorpio, which is a strong competitor even to mass-produced Chinese SUVs. The figure for 2016 is 160 thousand cars sold.
The most expensive models
Despite the fact that India's auto production is based mainly on budget developments, they have some cars that go beyond the usual prices.
Tata Aria is one of the most luxurious Indian crossovers, equipped with a climate control system, airbags, navigator, ABS, turbocharged diesel engine and leather upholstery. Price - 970 thousand rubles.
Mahindra Verito is another car whose characteristics more or less bring it closer to international standards auto production. 5 airbags, relatively decent electronics and nice salon. Price - from 870 to 920 thousand rubles.
The remaining positions are assigned to Tata Sumo Grande, Tata Safari, Mahindra Bolero (in the range of 800-950 thousand).
About competition
Finally, I would like to note that the largest Indian automakers are actively acquiring shares of Korean and Chinese manufacturers operating in India.
As a result, SsangYoung and Daewoo models produced in Indian territory are positioned as products of local manufacturers. Mahindra, for example, owns 80% of SsangYoung and 73% of Daewoo, which allows them to build a convenient commercial policy and control foreign competition.
