Hindustan Motors Ambassador Encore Diesel BS4 Taxi (2014) Updates

Monday, 26 May 2014 10:56 AM In May 2014, Hindustan Motors shut down its car factory, marking the end of the Ambassador Encores production. This decision was made due to weak demand and financing problems. The company had sold only 2,200 Ambassadors in the financial year ending March 2014, a significant decline from its peak sales.

Tuesday, 03 September 2013 12:52 PM In 2013, Hindustan Motors launched the Ambassador Encore, a BS-IV compliant diesel taxi, priced at Rs. 4.97 lakh (ex-showroom Kolkata). This model was designed to meet the new emission standards and was expected to capture a significant share of the taxi market, especially with the West Bengal government issuing new taxi permits. I believe this was a last-ditch effort to revive the brands fortunes.

Tuesday, 03 September 2013 06:07 AM The Ambassador Encore featured several upgrades, including a 1.5-litre diesel engine that met BS-IV standards, improved power and torque, and better fuel efficiency. The car also had power steering, improved gradient negotiating capacity, and reduced smoke emissions. These changes were aimed at enhancing the driving experience and complying with stricter emission norms.

Tuesday, 03 September 2013 01:18 PM Hindustan Motors invested significantly in upgrading the Ambassador Encore, including the engine and other features, without passing on the costs to customers. This was part of their strategy to offer value through cost-efficient manufacturing. The company was ramping up production at its Uttarpara plant to meet the anticipated demand.

Tuesday, 03 September 2013 10:48 AM The Ambassador Encore was significant because it allowed Hindustan Motors to sell the car in 17 metropolitan cities where the sale of BS-III cars had been banned since April 2010. This was a crucial step in reviving sales and maintaining market presence. I think this move showed the companys commitment to adapting to regulatory changes.

Tuesday, 03 September 2013 07:25 AM The Ambassador Encore was developed with the aid of Austria’s Magna Steyr and featured the same outer dimensions as the Ambassador Grand but with enhanced power output. Some left-hand drive versions were also produced for export to markets like Nigeria. This international appeal was a rare highlight for the model.

Tuesday, 03 September 2013 05:30 AM Despite the improvements, the sales of the Ambassador Encore did not meet expectations. The lack of effective marketing and the rise of competitors like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai contributed to the decline. This failure to regain market share ultimately led to the discontinuation of the model.

Tuesday, 03 September 2013 05:50 PM The Ambassador Encore was voted as the world’s best taxi at Beaulieu’s World of Top Gear motorsport show in 2013, a testament to its enduring popularity in the taxi segment. However, this recognition did not translate into significant sales.

Tuesday, 03 September 2013 08:50 AM The production of the Ambassador Encore was part of Hindustan Motors broader strategy to comply with new emission standards. The company had previously faced bans on selling its BS-III cars in several cities, and the Encore was a response to these regulatory changes. I believe this effort was crucial but ultimately insufficient to save the model.

Tuesday, 03 September 2013 06:52 AM In the years leading up to the launch of the Ambassador Encore, Hindustan Motors had seen a significant decline in sales due to competition from newer, more efficient cars. The Encore was an attempt to revamp the brands image and appeal, but it came too late to reverse the trend.