CHENNAI: Import of cars built in the UK has surged over the past few years, with volumes growing 16 per cent in 2016, according to British automakers’ association SMMT. While volumes continue to remain small, the past seven years have seen British car exports to India rise 11-fold.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Landrover was the leading exporter. “In 2016, Indian motorists bought 3,372 British-built cars, up from 309 in 2009,” said the automotive industry body, adding that demand rose 15.8 per cent in 2016 compared to the previous year. On the other hand, Indian-built models accounted for 31,535 new car registrations in the UK last year – a growth of 12.6 per cent from 2015.
The top five British bestsellers in India are Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar XF, Jaguar XE and the Jaguar F-Pace. Tamzen Isacsson, Director of Communications and International, pointed out that the Indian market understands British brands and growing prosperity in Asian markets in recent years has seen a surge in demand for premium cars, despite the high import duties. Spare parts made in Britain are also seeing steady demand.