Indian automotive industry globally is among the top ten. With an annual production of over two million units and providing employment opportunities to more than 13 million people, the automobile industry in India achieved a turnover of US $34 billion (INR 165000 crores).

Currently, the installed production capacity of automobile industry in India is 9.54 million vehicles annually comprising around 7.95 million 2/3 wheelers and 1.59 million 4-wheelers. India at present is the largest manufacturer of tractors, second largest manufacturer of 2-wheelers and fifth in manufacturing commercial vehicles. India ranks fourth in Asia in terms of passenger car market and is the head-quarter of the world’s largest 2-wheeler manufacturer. India now has:

9 manufacturers of commercial vehicles;
15 passenger and multi-utility car manufacturers;
14 manufacturers of 2/3 wheelers;
14 number of tractor manufacturers;
5 automobile engine manufacturers.

The growth of the automobile industry has encouraged world automotive giants in setting up operation in India. Presently there are eleven multi-national automobile manufacturing companies operating in India.

Major Indian automobile manufacturers

The major Indian automotive industries are:
1)Tata Motors – Tata Motors previously called TELCO is a leading manufacturer of both commercial and passenger 4 wheelers and goods carriers. Indica, Indigo, Sumo, and Safari are few of its passenger car models.

2)Ashok Leyland – Ashok Leyland, is an automobile major specialized in manufacturing commercial passenger and goods vehicles. Viking and Cheetah are notable commercial passenger vehicle models, while Comet Tractor is a widely acclaimed goods carrier model.

3)Mahindra and Mahindra – Mahindra & Mahindra is a manufacturer of sports utility vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and tractors. Scorpio is a popular sports utility automobile, while Bhoomiputra is a renowned tractor model.

4)Maruti Suzuki – This premier car manufacturer caters to all sectors of the Indian car market. Maruti 800 and Alto are economy models, D-Zire their up-market luxury car model, and Grand Vitara a sports utility vehicle model.

5)Hindustan Motors Limited – This pioneering automobile industry in India manufactures Ambassador brand of passenger cars. It also sells Mitsubishi and Chevrolet vehicles in India.

6)Force Motors – Force Motors manufactures 3 wheelers, tractors, light commercial and multi-utility vehicles.

7)Bajaj Auto – Bajaj Auto is a leading manufacturer of motor cycles, scooters, and three wheelers. Bajaj Pulsar is a leading motorcycle model, and Kristal –DTSi is a widely accepted model of scooter.

8)Hero Honda – Hero group is synonymous with 2-wheelers in India. Splendor Plus and Ambition are popular motor cycle models manufactured by Hero Honda. Their range of bicycles is widely acclaimed throughout India.

Fiat, BMW, Ford Motors, Hyundai, General Motors, and Honda are some of the international companies with operations in India.