A Premier Padmini Tale

The Premier Padmini automobile was manufactured in India from 1974 to 2000 by Premier Automobiles Limited, or PAL. It was indeed a pal to many people who remember it for its leg space, suspension and ride quality. I fondly remember the numerous cab rides I took in the vehicle. My father-in-law owned one as well.

The vehicle originated as an indigenised version of the Fiat 1100, and in 1974 it become the Premier Padmini. It virtually ruled the roads for the next three decades and was loved by everyone.

Post liberalisation of the Indian economy in 1991, the Maruti Suzuki 1000, Maruti Suzuki Esteem, Daewoo Cielo, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, and Ford Ikon were introduced in the market. These cars had better looks, interiors, safety, and engines. The Premier leadership, however, didn't think it fit to promote Padmini's distinguishing design and enrich its safety features together with the addition of a modern fuel-efficient engine.

A car, frozen in the looks of the '70s gradually started losing out to the new players, because the leadership was not ready to change and adapt. Premier Padmini automobile failed to recognise the new-age customers and their aspirations. Production was stopped in 1997, bowing out to modern Japanese, Korean and American cars. The company has faced bankruptcy in 2018.

Some of most die hard fans of Premier Padmini are sad to say goodbye to it, as it goes extinct from the roads starting June 2020. #modernization, #innovation, #agility, #change, #adaptation