Car companies that should make a comeback in India

Realistically, both these brands, Ford and Mitsubishi, will need to do something drastic to re-enter the Indian car market.

BHPian Omkar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

The Indian automotive market is one tough nut to crack. Its ever-changing and dynamic nature means that car companies need to adapt and improvise constantly. It is tricky, but the sheer number of cars sold here makes it hard for manufacturers around the globe to ignore the Indian market. Over the years, we’ve seen so many homegrown as well as foreign car brands enter the Indian market and get tested to their limits.

While some of the brands understand the assignment well and are reaping huge profits, some brands are barely surviving. Recently there was an excellent discussion on how car companies are finding it hard to increase their market share in India. Then there are car companies that despite having good cars in their portfolio, didn’t make it. As fans of these cars, here are a couple of car companies that I think should make a comeback in India.

Ford

Enthusiasts loved Ford cars as they set the benchmark in their respective segments for being the most fun to drive. However, the American company never managed to increase its market share despite getting an early start (compared to say, Hyundai) and having good cars in its portfolio. High operating costs were cited as the reason for the company’s exit from India. But as an enthusiast, this is the car brand that I wish would make a comeback in India.

Mitsubishi

Just like Ford, Mitsubishi in its prime had some great cars in its portfolio. The Pajero, Outlander, Cedia and the Lancer in their time were all excellent cars. Sadly, the company ran into financial troubles globally and didn’t have anything to offer in the Indian market with changing times. Things aren’t much different today and the company doesn’t have anything special in its global portfolio. But it would be great to see the brand re-enter the market.

Realistically, both these companies will need to do something drastic to make a comeback in India. They’d need an outlandish marketing strategy and a balanced portfolio that would help them re-establish themselves as brands in India. It’s not impossible for a new brand to make an impact on the Indian market without good backing and a great strategy. Kia is a brilliant example of such a company.

Do share which car companies you would like to see make a comeback in the Indian market and what their strategy should be in doing so.

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

I wish Ford would come back. They really have some kickass SUVs & Crossovers which were the best in class (Endeavour, EcoSport). Will always hold a special place in my heart because Ford is the only one to have sold a modern, useable muscle car in India (Mustang).

It wasn't the cars, but poor management that led to Ford India's decline. I hope they come back and only focus on the 20 lakh segment & up. They can't make money selling cheap hatchbacks & sedans (only Maruti, Hyundai & Tata can).

Here's what BHPian Bhodrolok had to say about the matter:

It has to be FORD for me.

And I do not think they would need too much of an effort to establish their presence, there are plenty of people who have been happy owners of the Ikon, Figo, Endy and of course the EcoSport.

Maybe an SUV-focused launch in the 20-30 L range would be the ideal re-launch in the way Kia started, along with a couple of "halo" models through the CBU route to get the interest churning.

However, based on how well Ford is doing internationally without having to cater to a small percentage of the market in India, I do not see them coming back anytime soon.

Here's what BHPian arjab had to say about the matter:

Ford

They already have the after-sales network in place. The plant is there. The platforms are there. The powertrains are there. A comprehensive revamp of the EcoSport, like what Tata did to the Nexon will set Ford's cash register ringing again. Also an MPV top hat on the EcoSport's platform as an additional model. Everest-Endeavour can continue as a CKD-SKD import. And the Mustang can come in via the CBU route as it did.

FIAT

Fantastic vehicles. No one complained about the products. Everyone complained about the after-sales service network. FIAT knows what it has to do in India to set things right. India loves Fiat. The brand equity is very strong. Mr Aditya Jairaj & Co. can still do it. If they want to.

Mitsubishi

In this SUV-crazed market of ours, this marquee brand with some of the most coveted nameplates in the SUV world is glaringly absent. The Toyota Fortuner dominates the Rs 50-lakh segment. Would it have been the same if Mitsubishi rolled in with their Pajero, Outlander, Eclipse, the mighty L200 (Triton) pickup to fight the Hi-Lux and even the small cars like Delica and the eK Wagon? Maybe the new owners of Nissan-Renault are plotting something. Who knows.

Brands that should be here

SUBARU

Once upon a time, there was a world rally car called the Impreza. It was piloted by some awesomely talented drivers and scared the living daylights of some of the biggest European OEMs competing in WRC. That DNA continues to run to this day in all Subaru's. And yes - no one makes a flat-four boxer as they do, do they?

NIO

A Tesla at half the price and probably equal in performance.

INEOS GRENADIER

Ultra Niche. For all the old DEFENDER fanboys out there.

Here's what BHPian DicKy had to say about the matter:

Ford. Yes. But not for regular operations. Ford should forget the sub-30 lakhs segment exists. They should rather become importers and use their major service centres in the big cities. Something like what Ford Australia is doing. Or they can do what GM is doing with the General Motors Specialty Vehicles company in Australia. Heck, even Chevrolet can make a comeback to India that way.

Prices won't be an issue. (Talking about Rs.50+ lakh market) If Ford or Chevrolet is selling officially RHD cars in India, even with a presence only in major cities, there will be a good number of customers willing to buy them up. I mean, already there are private imports of F150s and Escalades by really influential people. If people could buy them at authorised dealers, there would be many more willing buyers for these. Pity GM and Ford exited by the same time their full-size trucks got diesel engines.

Mitsubishi? No. It is a shell of its former self. Most new models are codeveloped or rebadged versions of Nissan-Renault. With Nissan- Renault themselves not on a strong footing in India, less chance of Mitsubishi ever coming back.

Offtopic, and have been discussed in other threads but couldn't hold back. One company that I wish to come to India. Mazda.

Though technically it can be coming back as Mazda was present in India via Swaraj Mazda.

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