Premier is an Indian automobile manufacturer founded in 1944, best known for producing some of the earliest mass-market cars in India. Its most iconic model was the Premier Padmini, which became a cultural symbol in Indian cities during the 1960s through the 1990s. Derived from Fiat designs, the Premier Padmini was reliable, compact, and widely used as both a family car and a taxi. Although Premier struggled in later decades with increased competition from global automakers, it holds a nostalgic place in Indian automotive history.

25 Premier Questions

  • When was Premier founded?

  • Who founded the Premier automobile company?

  • What was the first car produced by Premier?

  • When was the Premier Padmini introduced?

  • Why did the Premier Padmini become so popular in India?

  • What Fiat model was the Premier Padmini based on?

  • In which cities was the Premier Padmini most commonly used as a taxi?

  • What engine powered the Premier Padmini?

  • How affordable was the Premier Padmini compared to rivals?

  • What role did Premier play in India’s automotive industry?

  • Which decades marked the peak of Premier Padmini sales?

  • What were the main competitors of the Premier Padmini?

  • Why did Premier begin to decline in the 1990s?

  • What foreign car companies collaborated with Premier?

  • What was the Premier 118 NE and when was it introduced?

  • How did the Premier 118 NE differ from the Padmini?

  • What safety features were available in Premier cars?

  • When did production of the Premier Padmini end?

  • How many units of the Premier Padmini were sold?

  • Are Premier cars still seen on Indian roads today?

  • Which car replaced the Premier Padmini in popularity?

  • How collectible are Premier Padmini models now?

  • What was the last passenger car produced by Premier?

  • How did globalization affect Premier’s market position?

  • What legacy has Premier left in Indian automotive history?