Indian cars in 2012 you never knew existed

Markets have opened up in India in the last decade and luxury cars have come flying in. Customer flock the showrooms of even Nissan and Volkswagen nowadays. But, if on a normal day you are asked to name 5 Indian car companies / Indian Car brands/ India car manufacturers. you will stop at 2 or maybe three at best and car reviews and comparison of these cars are not available either. So here's some information of the cars makers of India who are alive and kicking.

1. http://www.tatamotors.com/
Tata Motors: Ok, you know about Tata. They made Indians proud with the Nano and purchase of JLR. The new Indica Vista and Indigo Manaza are not built good enough to stand with the best in business. The Grande and Safari still look good and show Tata's UV past. Tata has evolved into one strong car maker and with a JV with Fiat in place and Jaguar Land Rover acquisition, things are just looking better.

Cars on offer

Tata nano
Tata Indica V2
Tata Indica Vista
Tata Indigo CS
Tata Indigo Marina
Tata Indigo XL
Tata Indigo Manza
Tata Safari
Tata Sumo
Tata Grande MKII
Tata TL 4X4 pickup
Tata Xenon 4X4 pickup
Tata Aria
Tata Venture

My pick: Tata Xenon 4X4, Tata Manza, Tata Aria
Suggestion: bring in automatic transmissions for your cars.

2. http://www.mahindra.com/index.asp
Mahindra&Mahindra: Who doesnt know mahindra? The maker of the classic Jeep (FYI Jeep is a brand in itself owned by Chrysler USA now a part of Fiat and Government of USA :P). The scorpio changed the way the world looked at Mahindra. The xylo was another shot in the arm and Mahindra is suddenly the uber cool brand from who doesnt hail from the village anymore. A failed marraige with Renault brought in the Logan but otherwise Mahindra is yet to get a Sedan in its lineup. Until then Mahindra will make do with 'largest selling UV' tag for it's Bolero.

cars on offer.

Mahindra Renault Logan / Verito
Mahindra Thar
Mahindra Scorpio
Mahindra Getaway
Mahindra Xylo
Mahindra Bolero
Mahindra Bolero Camper
Maini Reva

My Picks: Mahindra Thar, Mahindra XUV500, Mahinra Logan Verito Diesel.
Suggestion: Where are the sedans and Hatches? Start with a hatch.

3. http://www.icml.co.in/
ICML: International Cars and Motors Limited is one of the latest entrants on the Indian Automobile scene. The Rhino has done well but not well enough to justify the launch of the small car ICML has waiting in the wings. The makers of the Sonalika Tractors are still going strong with building a widespraed dealer network. The cars are improving regularly and so are the engines. The Rhino like all other Indian cars had handling issues and received tuition from Lotus UK and now with Rover's new engine is ready to sell.

cars on offer

ICML Rhino
ICML Inspire (waiting for release)

My pick: Icml Rhino TCDI.
My suggestion: Bring in the Inspire fast.

4. http://www.premier.co.in/wb/
Premier: Remember the Padmini's? The Maharashtra based maker of Padmini's and 118NE is back and how. With support from the Chinese, I am not really that impressed but Premier has chosen a good car and platform to begin with. The rio is a nice car and more cars are on paper. Fit and finish is not its forte but VFM and utility are. For a small car buyer looking for a small SUV looks, look no further.

Cars on offer

Premier RIO
Premier Sigma

My pick: Premier Rio
Suggestion: Provide service and spares for Padmini's. It will earn you money and reputation. A small sedan will be a nice addition considering the financial muscle permits.

5. http://www.forcemotors.com
Force Motors: Not well known by their current name but many will jump if I say Tempo, Trax or Bajaj. The company has gone through numerous name changes it seems but the models are yet to see revisions. A new SUV based on license from Daimler Benz, the Force ONE has just been launched. Excellent off-roaders.

cars on offer.

Force One
Trax Gama
Trax Gurkha

My pick: Force One
Suggestion: For starters please update the cars with better quality interiors and some kit.

6. http://www.hindmotor.com/
Hindustan Motors: Once the GM of India, HM was the largest car maker selling the Ambassador. Contessa came and went much before its time. What followed was a timewarp and HM never brought in a new vehicle. The good side is that the Ambassador car is more customizable that any other model on offer but the flip side is now even the grandpa's dont want one. Even the Collabration with Mitsubishi is lagging.

Cars on offer.

Hindustan Ambassador petrol
Hindustan Ambassador Diesel 2.0
Hindustan Ambassador Diesel 1.5
Hindustan Ambassador CNG

My Pick: None
Suggestion: Refresh the Hindustan Contessa for the luxury market and bring in an ambassador hatch. If funds are tight Position the Ambassador for the taxi market correctly.

7. http://www.sanmotors.com/
San Motors: It hardly is a car company in operation. Nobody knows if they sell anymore or not, but the website is still up and so is the contact info. While plans were to make 3 cars, only one had come up for sale years ago. Never seen another in 5 years. Just a paper dream nowadays.

Cars on offer

San Storm

My pick: Uhmmm. Pass
Suggestion: Plonk a turbo, add better body panels with good finish and relaunch at the same price tag.