India Full Year 1986: Maruti above 40% share, Maruti 800 and Premier Padmini best-sellers

The Premier Padmini ranks #2 in India in 1986.

* See the Top 9 All-brands and Top 18 All-models by clicking on the title *

The Indian new vehicle market gains 11.2% year-on-year in 1986 to 160.166 units, with Maruti (+32%) tightening its grip on the market to 40.6% share, now more than double any other manufacturer present in the market, starting with Mahindra (+2%) up one spot to 18.3% share ahead of Premier (-11%) at 16.3% and Hindustan (-6%) at 14.6%. Tata (2%) and Eicher Motor (0.4%) are newcomers in the brands ranking this year, lifting the number of carmakers in activities to 9.

One year after launch, the Maruti Alto already takes a new form, morphing into a rebadge of the 1984 Suzuki Alto. With success: sales are up 16% to 29.2% share vs. 25.1% a year ago. The Premier Padmini (-16%) – originally launched in 1970 as a rebadge of the 1964 Fiat 1100 – manages to remain in 2nd place with 17% share despite a heavy loss, with the legendary Hindustan Ambassador (-2%) staying at #3. The Maruti Omnivan (+39%) is up one spot to #4 and the Maruti Gypsy shoots up to #8 for its first fill year.

Previous year: India 1985: First year of domination by the Maruti 800

Full Year 1986 Top 9 All-brands and Top 18 All-models below.