This iconic car to comeback as EV?
The Ambassador had an unimaginable influence on the Indian auto industry. It was a car everyone aspired to own. The Ambby as it was affectionately called upon, continued to go strong until it was discontinued in 2013-14. Why was it discontinued? It was discontinued due to poor sales and financial problems for Hindustan Motors. The iconic product continues to live in people’s hearts. So could it make a comeback? Yes, it could, considering recent reports. A version of Ambassador EV could be launched in 2024.
New development
The Hindustan Motors Ambassador could make a comeback in an improved avatar. What do we know so far? The new Ambassador will be built in a joint venture of Hind Motor Financial Corporation of India (a subsidiary of Hindustan Motors) and the French carmaker, Peugeot. Why the push for a new Ambassador? Peugeot bought the Ambassador rights in 2017 for Rs 80 crores. So, it will be looking to utilise this investment properly and bank on the popularity of this icon.
Ambassador EV – Modern amenities
The Ambassador as a product was known for its comfort and ride quality. Peugeot and Hindustan Motors will look to replicate these qualities in the new Ambassador as well. Peugeot will look to bring modern features to the Ambassador giving it a modern look. Reportedly, the mechanical bits of the engine are already in quite advanced stages of development. What about the EV version? Hindustan Motors will first bring an ICE-powered version. However, since the future will be EVs, we can expect an Ambassador EV in the future as well.
Future EV plans
The Ambassador is not the only product Hindustan Motors is planning to launch in India. It has more ambitious plans for our market. According to reports, it is currently in talks with a European company (name not disclosed) for a joint venture to develop EVs. The initial investment for this joint venture would be around Rs 300-400 crore. What products could the brand launch? The brand could first launch an electric two-wheeler and then venture into the four-wheeler segment. This joint venture will use Hindustan Motors’ 295 acres factory in Uttarpa, West Bengal.
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