The first Indian car manufacturer in India was Hindustan Motors Limited (HML), which was established in 1942. HML started producing automobiles in India in collaboration with the British automaker Morris Motors. Their first car model was the Hindustan 10, which was based on the Morris 10. Hindustan Motors later went on to produce several other popular car models such as the Ambassador, Contessa, and Mitsubishi Pajero.
Hindustan Motors Limited (HML) was an Indian automotive manufacturer that played a significant role in the country's automobile industry for several decades. Here is a brief biography of Hindustan Motors:
- Establishment: Hindustan Motors was established in 1942 by B.M. Birla as Hindustan Aircraft Limited, with the aim of manufacturing aircraft and spare parts during World War II. However, after the war, the company shifted its focus to automobiles.
- Collaboration with Morris Motors: In 1949, Hindustan Motors entered into a collaboration agreement with the British automobile manufacturer Morris Motors. Under this collaboration, Hindustan Motors began producing Morris models in India. The first car to be manufactured was the Hindustan 10, based on the Morris 10.
- Expansion and Diversification: In the following years, Hindustan Motors expanded its production facilities and started manufacturing a range of vehicles, including commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and multi-utility vehicles. They also collaborated with other international companies like General Motors and Mitsubishi Motors for certain models.
- Ambassador: One of the most iconic and long-lasting models produced by Hindustan Motors was the Ambassador. The Ambassador, based on the Morris Oxford Series III, was launched in 1957 and became a symbol of India's automotive industry. It remained in production for several decades and was a popular choice among government officials, taxi operators, and general consumers.
- Contessa and Other Models: In 1984, Hindustan Motors introduced the Hindustan Contessa, a luxury sedan that gained popularity among car enthusiasts. It was known for its spaciousness and powerful engine. Apart from the Ambassador and Contessa, Hindustan Motors also manufactured the Mitsubishi Pajero SUV and the Mitsubishi Lancer sedan in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors.
- Challenges and Decline: Over time, Hindustan Motors faced various challenges, including competition from other manufacturers and changing consumer preferences. The company struggled to keep up with technological advancements and lacked new product launches. These factors, along with labor issues and financial difficulties, led to a decline in the company's operations.
- Suspension of Production: Hindustan Motors suspended the production of all its vehicles, including the Ambassador, in 2014 due to ongoing financial constraints and mounting losses. Efforts to revive the company and resume production were unsuccessful, leading to the eventual sale of the Ambassador brand to the French automaker Peugeot (now Groupe PSA) in 2017.
While Hindustan Motors faced challenges in its later years, it remains an important part of India's automotive history, having introduced iconic models that left a lasting impact on the country's roads and culture.
Another significant Indian car manufacturer is Tata Motors. Tata Motors was established in 1945 and is a part of the Tata Group, one of India's largest conglomerates. Tata Motors initially focused on commercial vehicles and gradually expanded its operations to include passenger cars. They launched their first passenger car, the Tata Indica, in 1998, followed by other successful models like the Tata Safari, Tata Nano, and Tata Tiago.
These two companies, Hindustan Motors and Tata Motors, played pivotal roles in shaping the Indian automotive industry and were among the first Indian car manufacturers in the country.