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Yeah, Tata Indica was India’s home grown first indigenous (originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native) car! It was showcased in 1998’s auto expo and shipment to dealers started from Feb’99. It has sold an impressive ~15 Lakh cars in 226 months and is currently in the end of its life. We saw a post on 20th Birthday of the legendary vehicle today, and hence this article! Let’s see some interesting stats on the brand –
Within a week of its unveiling, Tata Motors received 115,000 bookings! Within two years, the Indica had become the number-one car in its segment.
Introduced with the caption “More car per car,” the ad campaign focused on roomy interiors and affordability. And yes, it was one of the most impressive automotive ad campaigns of all time.
Indica was the first Tata to have a monocoque chassis! And the other firsts from Tata Motors were – first car to have a “body in white”, first car to be designed keeping aerodynamics in mind, first car with a transversely mounted front engine, front wheel drive layout.
The Indica offered options like air conditioning and electric windows, which were previously restricted to upmarket imported cars in India!
Indica was also exported to European markets from 2003. It was rather badged as a MG Rover CityRover!
It’s highest sales in a month was 15,283 units (Mar’2007)!
Tata Indica has sold 14,69,038 units till date and has been the best selling car by an ‘Indian OEM’!
Indica established Tata Motors as a forerunner in the Indian OEM’s race. Other OEMs (like M&M) followed the suit. Indica also helped Tata Motors launch other models (Indigo, Indigo CS) which elevated Tata Motors race to No.3 OEM in Indian market.
A glance at Indica’s sales over years –
Interesting Fact – 1998 Auto Expo was iconic in terms of the cars which were showcased that year (Tata Indica, Hyundai Santro, Honda City, Ford Fiesta etc)!
Launch Ad –
Indica V2 TVC –