New Delhi. Today, when Indian roads are full of SUVs and premium cars, it is difficult to remember that there was a time when cars were considered only for the rich. Till the early 1980s, buying a car was no less than a dream for an ordinary Indian family. It was during this period that the Maruti 800 arrived, which not only changed the face of Indian roads but also decided that a car would no longer be a luxury but could be a necessity.
A new beginning in the era of license raj
Maruti 800 was born at a time when the Indian automobile sector was in the grip of the license raj. The options were very limited – Hindustan Ambassador and Fiat Padmini. Both the cars were expensive, low mileage and backward in terms of technology. The waiting period used to be of years and getting delivery was like winning a lottery. In this environment, Maruti 800 entered in 1983. This small car, made in collaboration with Japan's Suzuki, may have been compact in size, but the idea behind it was very big – a car for the common man.
The trio of price, mileage and reliability
The biggest strength of Maruti 800 was its price. While other cars were out of the reach of the middle class, the Maruti 800 gave the assurance for the first time that even a low-paid person could own a car. Low maintenance cost and excellent mileage made it more attractive. This was the period when the price of petrol affected the budget of every family. In such a situation, the mileage of Maruti 800 was no less than a boon for the people. On top of that, the engine was reliable because of Japanese technology. Start and go, this became its identity.
First car, first freedom
The Maruti 800 was not just a vehicle, it was the first car for millions of Indian families. Be it dropping children to school, visiting relatives or taking a long trip to the village, Maruti 800 was present everywhere. Cutting the ribbon of a new car at weddings, pujas and festivals became an emotional moment. For many people, this was the first time that they were traveling by their own car instead of bus or train. This is the reason why Maruti 800 made the Indian middle class feel a new freedom.
Service network won hearts
Another major achievement of Maruti was its service network. At that time, car breakdown meant weeks of trips to the garage. Maruti ensured availability of service centers and spare parts across the country. The result was that car ownership became easier and more reliable. Maruti's reach in rural and small towns made it the choice of every class.
The changed face of Indian roads
After the arrival of Maruti 800, the number of cars on Indian roads increased rapidly. Where earlier seeing a car was a special thing, now it has become a common sight. Traffic, parking and driving culture, everything started changing. This car not only promoted personal transportation but also intensified competition in the auto industry. Other companies were also forced to make cheap, affordable and reliable cars.
An icon that lives on in memories
With time, technology changed, new standards of safety and features came and Maruti 800 gradually left the roads. But its memories are still alive in the hearts of millions of people. In many homes, this car was like a family member, and eyes would become moist while selling it. Maruti 800 not only gave India a car, but also changed the definition of car buying. It proved that with the right idea, right price and trust, any product can change the face of society.