Driving the most luxurious car has been made possible by the stiff competition in the automobile industry in India, with overseas players gathering the same momentum as the domestic participants.

Market share of automobile industries

Every other day, we have been hearing about some new launches, some low cost cars - all customized in a manner such that the common man is not left behind. In 2009, the automobile industry is expected to see a growth rate of around 9%, with the disclaimer that the auto industry in India has been hit badly by the ongoing global financial crisis.

The automobile industry in India happens to be the ninth largest in the world. Following Japan, South Korea and Thailand, in 2009, India emerged as the fourth largest exporter of automobiles. Several Indian automobile manufacturers have spread their operations globally as well, asking for more investments in the Indian automobile sector by the MNCs.

Potential of the Automobile industry In 2008, Hyundai Motors alone exported 240,000 cars made in India. Nissan Motors plans to export 250,000 vehicles manufactured in its India plant by 2011. Similar plans are for General Motors.

Segmentation of market share of automobile industry in India



Passenger Vehicle: 15.96%
Commercial Vehicle: 3.95%
Three wheelers: 3.60%
Two wheelers: 76.49%
Top Automobile Companies in India

Tata Motors



Tata Motors is the largest automobile manufacturing companies in India. Established way back in 1945 Tata Motors is a multinational automobile company with its headquarters in Mumbai. Previously known as Telco TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company Tata Motors belongs to Tata Group. This company manufactures compact medium sized utility vehicles. Over the last few decades it has stood as the undisputed leader in the commercial vehicles segment. It is also the third largest producer of passenger cars in India. This automobile company in India is listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. The revenues earned by Tata Morts in 2010 accounted to $20.572 billion. Some of the well known cars manufactured by Tata Motors are: Tata Indigo, Tata Indica, Tata Sumo Tata Indigo Marina and Tata safari.

Hindustan Motors Limited


Hindustan Motors Limited was founded in the year 1942 by B.M Birla. It is an operative subsidy of the Birla Technical Services group. This company held the title of the biggest manufacturer of cars in India before Maruti Udyog. Hindustan Motors was the pioneer in manufacturing automobiles in India. The company accounted for a sales turnover of Rs 150.66 crore in 2010. Some of the important cars and multi utility vehicles manufactured by Hindustan Motors Limited include; Mitsubishi Lancer, Trekker, Contessa, Ambassador, Porter, Pushpak and the Mitsubishi.
Ashoke Leyland


Ashoke Leyland is a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in India. It was established in 1948. The company over the years has become synonymous with the production of trucks, passenger buses and emergency military vehicles. It happens to be the second largest commercial vehicle producer in India holding a market share of almost 30 percent. The company holds a record for selling almost 60, 000 vehicles and almost 7000 engines per years. Ashok Leyland accounted for consolidated revenues of US$ 1.4 billion in 2009. Some of the popular products by this company are; Panther BS-II Muti-axle Vehicles, Cheetah Bus-III, Tractors and Ecomet, Lynx BS-II, Diesel and Natural Gas gensets from 15KVA to 250KVA.

Maruti Suzuki India Limited



Maruti Suzuki India Limited was established in 1981. A part of this company is owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan. It is the country's largest passenger car manufacturing company. Credited for having brought in the automobile revolution in the country Maruti Suzuki India Limited was known as Maruti Udyog Limited till 2007. With its headquarters in Delhi this automobile company in India happens to be the largest producer and market share holder of cars. The company accounted for consolidated revenues of US$4.8 billion in 2010. Maruti Suzuki India Limited is credited for manufactures a variety of passenger cars SUVs, and Sedans. Some of Maruti's most popular cars are: Alto, Gypsy, Omni, Wagon R, Maruti 800, Versa, Zen, Esteem, Baleno and Swift.

Hyundai Motor India Limited

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is owned entirely by Hyundai Motors of South Korea. Hyundai Motors happens to be the largest car manufacturer in South Korea and the sixth largest in the world. This automobile company in India is also the largest passenger cars exporter in India. Established on May 6 1996 this company in a short span of time has taken the Indian automobile industry by storm. Some of the popular cars manufactured by this company are; Santro, Getz Prime, Hyundai i10, Hyundai i20 Accent and the Verna and Sonata

Bajaj Auto

Bajaj Auto is another important automobile manufacturing company in India. It is one of the India's most trusted car manufacturers. It is an operative subsidy of the Bajaj Group. Bajaj Auto happens to be the largest two and three wheeler manufacturer in India and also ranks in this field across the globe. This automobile company was established on 2 November 1945. The company was then known as M/s Bachraj Trading Corporation Private Limited. The company made a modest beginning by importing and then selling two and three wheelers in India. Today Bajaj Auto has become synonymous with two and three wheelers in the country. Some of its popular two wheelers are; Pulsar 220DTS and Kawasaki Ninja 250R.

Indian Automobile Industry SWOT Analysis

Strengths

    Domestic Market is large
    Government provides monetary assistance for manufacturing units
    Reduced Labor cost

Weaknesses

    Infrastructural setbacks
    Low productivity
    Too many taxes levied by government increase the cost of production
    Low investments in Research and Development

Opportunities

    Reduction in Excise duty
    Rural demand is rising
    Income level is at a constant increase

    Threats
        Increasing rates of interest
        Too much competition
        Rising cost of raw materials