Introduction of the First Hatchback Maruti 800 to India
Decades ago, the automotive industry in India was not flourishing with popularity. Buying a new car was an event that would draw crowds of onlookers. The first hatchback car introduced in India was the Maruti 800, launched by Prime Minister Sanjay Gandhi. It was the first car of its kind and the price at which it was bought was a matter of interest to many.
Launch of the First Hatchback Car at a Low Price
Maruti Suzuki launched the first hatchback car in the country at a very low price. The Maruti 800 hatchback car was launched at a cost of 47,500 rupees. The Maruti 800 hatchback car became an excellent vehicle for the common man. However, as time went on, the price of the car also increased.
Purchase of the First Maruti 800 by Notable Individuals
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi handed over the keys of the first Maruti 800 hatchback car to Harpal Singh in New Delhi on 14 December 1983, marking a first in history. The second Maruti Suzuki 800 hatchback car was purchased by Dr. Ramdev Gupta, a resident of Ranchi, but it took almost a year for the second car to find a customer. This set the journey of Maruti Suzuki 800 in motion.
Preservation of the First Maruti car by Maruti Suzuki
To keep the history of their 800 cars alive, Maruti Suzuki, the car manufacturer, has kept the first 800 hatchback car at their headquarters in Delhi. Many days later, Maruti Suzuki found their first 800 cars. Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Director of Sales and Marketing Department of Maruti Suzuki India, tweeted that the 40-year-old Maruti 800 car has been kept at the company’s main office to keep the company’s history alive. He also shared a photo of the car.
- Maruti 800, the first hatchback car in India, was launched by Prime Minister Sanjay Gandhi.
- The car was introduced at a very affordable price, making it accessible to the common man.
- The first Maruti 800 was handed over to Harpal Singh by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- Maruti Suzuki has preserved the first 800 hatchback car at their headquarters in Delhi to keep their history alive.
