Car brands that should come to India

India being a developing country, I believe this demand will keep on increasing year-on-year. With the increase in demand, we should also have a proportional increase in choices.

BHPian mohitchalla recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

We have witnessed a steep growth in the demand for new cars in the last one year, despite COVID. India being a developing country, I believe this demand will keep on increasing year-on-year. With the increase in demand, we should also have a proportional increase in choices.

While we have seen a wider product offering from most of the manufacturers, it was also sad to see some promising brands like Fiat and Chevrolet have left India for good. While we got KIA, it is just Hyundai with a different styling. The only truly new, exciting brand that has entered India in the past few years is Citroën. Here is my wish list of global car brands that should come to India:

• Mazda - A brand with a wide model range, most of which are already well suited to the Indian market. It is also that one Japanese brand that actually delivers exceptionally high quality interiors. The SKYACTIV Technology engines can go head-to-head with Honda’s iVTEC.

• Subaru - The gold standard of AWD systems and the boxer engines. Enough said!

• Acura - Since Honda has been diluting its own premium standing in the Indian market, it is time to start offering the Acura badge to customers looking for a more premium experience.

• Infiniti - Because why not?

• Genesis - Again from the Hyundai family, but much more luxurious with competitive pricing in its segment.

• Daihatsu - The economical Toyota. A better choice over the rebadged Maruti Suzuki cars.

Share your views and what other brands do you think should come to India?

Here's what BHPian Mr.Boss had to say on the matter:

Out of this list, I wish Toyota could bring Daihatsu here. They have a wonderful portfolio that could do well in India. Neither their quality is inferior.

OTOH I wish instead of bringing in new brands, if existing brands could offer such offerings in the current badge, why not?

Here's what BHPian landcruiser123 had to say on the matter:

After driving many Mazdas in the US, I must say I'm very impressed. They do have a very competent hatchback (2/3), sedan (2/3), and crossover lineup (CX30, CX5) that can make it big in India.

Not sure about Subaru - our weather conditions don't really need AWD. Plus, I don't know of any Subaru model with gasoline engines under <1200 cc.

Premium brands (Acura, Infiniti, Genesis) - forget it. India's luxury car market is small and about prestige compared. Lower-end Infinitis and Acuras aren't very impressive for the big bucks they'll charge in India.

Daihatsu - why establish a new brand when Toyota can slap their badge on existing Maruti models? If Toyota were serious, Daihatsu should have been introduced in the mid 2000s after the Qualis became a runaway success.

Here's what BHPian museycal had to say on the matter:

From the OP, Genesis seems to have the highest probability to come to India, as Hyundai already has strong foothold here and they are on top of the game in marketing and value proposition. The recent Genesis designs are killing it too, whether sedans (G70, G80, G90) or crossovers (GV70, GV80).

I'd love to see more GM and Stellantis brands in the country. Cadillac & GMC from GM and DS, Dodge & Alfa Romeo from Stellantis. These brands have good products in luxury, sports and UV segments with some great desirable cars in the fold.

Toyota bringing in Subaru, especially with an affordable halo car like BR-Z will be great too.

Here's what BHPian Sahil had to say on the matter:

Besides Tesla, I don't think we really need more brands in India. What we need is better and more models of each brand, however, at better prices, especially when they are CKD.

India has become a market to milk profits, I hope there comes a day when our locally manufactured cars are at par with their prices in the west. This will only be a reality when the govt also supports with realistic taxation.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.