India Full Year 1989: Maruti 800, Omivan, Hindustan Ambassador gain share

The Hindustan Ambassador improves its market share in India for the first time since 1985.

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

New vehicle sales in India lift 9.8% year-on-year in 1989 to 252.488 units. Maruti (+18%) returns to market-beating growth, crossing the 100.000 annual sales milestone for the first time in Suzuki’s local subsidiary’s history at 115.650 and  improving its market share to a record 45.8%. Premier (+15%) surprisingly follows suit with a better 16.7% share despite its lineup’s age. Mahindra (2%), Hindustan (+3%) and Force Motors (+5%) al lose share to complete a Top 5 unchanged on 1988.

Premier NE118 and Maruti 800 pictured

No change in the Top 6 models either, with the Maruti 800 (+12%) celebrating 5 consecutive years in pole position with an improved 29% share. The Premier Padmini (+9%) reaches almost 35.000 sales with a relatively stable share at 13.7% while the Maruti Omnivan (+15%) gets dangerously close just 1.300 units below. The Mahindra Jeep (+4%) loses share whereas the Hindustan Ambassador (+10%) gains ground for the first time since 1985 to just under 10% share.

Previous year: India 1988: Maruti 800 leads, Premier Padmini outpaces market

Full Year 1989 Top 9 All-brands and Top 18 All-models below.