The Indian politicians' and actors' favorite "laal batti vali gaadi" has been sold to the French automaker Peugeot for Rs. 80 crore. The company discontinued the production of ambassador three years ago because of the staggering sales of the vehicle. Back in the 1970s and 80s, the car sold around 25000 units a year, which dropped to mere 2,500 units or less during 2010s.
Peugeot made a petty appearance in India during the 1990s with its Peugeot 309. Recently, an upsurge about Peugeot Citroen entering Indian market by 2018 via CK Birla networks made rounds. Who would have thought that this is how the plan shall be executed. The step to selling the ownership and trademarks of Ambassador is for paying the dues of the workers and moneylenders, as was told by the spokesperson of CK Birla. Though it is still unclear as to how Peugeot wishes to use the brand.
The car has been our pride right from the British India, and it has ruled the auto sector right from the 1950s with its Morris Oxford III to the 1990s with its Ambassador 1800 ISZ. The 'King of Indian Roads' defines the class and style and is still driven by elites and bureaucrats of our country with a red light at its head and a chauffeured driver. It is also used as a taxi is many cities like Bombay, and Kolkata and has been declared the best taxi in the world by TV series Top Gear. But 2014 saw the shutting down of the Uttarpara plant due to insufficient sales to keep up with the cost of labor and vehicular parts' purchase.
The car did not see much of engine and styling upgradation while the auto sector went global after the trade barriers were let down in 1991 and all the car majors round the globe entered and changed the facade of automobile industry operating in our country. With newer technologies and luxury provision around, the customer base for Ambassador tumbled. But the car brings back so many memories of the rich history that we read about in our history lessons. It is the transport of post-colonial India and will always remain with us as the one and only Ambassador much before Maruti 800 brought the series of new cars in here.
If you are interested in knowing more about Vintage cars that were riding in India in older times, you may visit the link mentioned below:
