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India Today
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Mercedes-Benz W124: The three-pointed star that introduced luxury on four wheels
In the early 1990s, India's automotive landscape was dominated by rugged Ambassadors and nimble Marutis. Amid this era of simplicity and frequent breakdowns, a star was born on Indian roads, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, also known as the W124. Launched in India in 1995 through a partnership with Tata Motors, then called Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (Telco), the W124 brought an air of sophistication that was previously unseen. Assembled in Pune, this luxury sedan became a symbol of prestige, reliability, and engineering excellence, capturing the imagination of India's burgeoning W124 wasn't just a car; it was a statement. With its sleek, aerodynamic lines and understated elegance, it stood in stark contrast to the cars of that era. It was their first encounter with the three-pointed star, a marque synonymous with German W124, globally introduced in 1985, was the second generation of Mercedes-Benz's E-Class. Designed by Bruno Sacco, it was lauded for its timeless aesthetics and robust engineering. In India, the W124 arrived as the E220 (petrol) and E250D (diesel), catering to a market that prized fuel efficiency alongside luxury. The diesel variant, in particular, resonated with Indian buyers, offering remarkable mileage for a car of its stature. The W124's assembly in India was a milestone. Mercedes-Benz partnered with TELCO to produce the car locally, making it more accessible in a market sensitive to import duties. Priced at around Rs 20-25 lakh in the mid-1990s which was a princely sum at the time but it was a favorite among industrialists, film stars, and politicians. The sight of a W124 gliding through the streets of Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore was enough to turn heads and spark made the W124 iconic was its engineering brilliance. Built to last, it boasted a chassis that could withstand India's pothole-ridden roads and a suspension tuned for comfort. The diesel E250D, powered by a 2.5-litre OM602 engine, was a workhorse with a reliability that became legendary. The W124 can clock lakhs of kilometers with minimal interior was a sanctuary of luxury with plush seats, wood trim, and a dashboard designed with driver-centric precision. Features like power windows, central locking, and a sunroof were novelties in India at the time, elevating the W124 to an aspirational pedestal. Its safety features, at a time when no one cared about safety included airbags and ABS in later models, way ahead of their time, setting a benchmark for what a car could India, the W124 was more than a mode of transport, it was a status symbol. It adorned the garages of Bollywood celebrities and industrial tycoons. Its presence in films and media cemented its image as the ultimate luxury W124 also earned a reputation for reliability that bordered on mythical. Even today, well-maintained W124s are cherished by enthusiasts, often fetching premium prices and the W124 is one of the best projects for 1997, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W210, the W124's successor, and production of the W124 in India ceased. Yet, its legacy endured. The W124 laid the foundation for Mercedes-Benz's growth in India, proving that there was a market for premium vehicles. It also set a standard for quality that competitors struggled to the W124 remains a nostalgic icon. In an age of sleek EVs and tech-loaded SUVs, the W124 reminds us of a simpler time when craftsmanship trumped gimmicks. Its boxy silhouette, chrome accents, and that iconic grille evoke memories of India's economic liberalisation, a period when the country was opening up to the world and the W124 was leading the charge in the luxury those who drove it, owned it, or simply admired it from afar, the Mercedes-Benz W124 is more than a car, it's a time capsule. A reminder of when a car could be both a status symbol and a trusted companion, built to outlast trends and conquer to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Osamu Suzuki, the orchestrator of Maruti Suzuki in India, awarded Padma Vibhushan posthumously
Osamu Suzuki's son, Toshihiro Suzuki, received the award from the President of India. Former Suzuki Motor Corporation Chairman, Osamu Suzuki has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. This honour has been awarded in recognition of Osamu Suzuki's outstanding contribution to the field of trade and industry. The formal ceremony took place at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on 28th April 2025. The award was received by Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President, Suzuki Motor Corporation, on behalf of his father. Osamu joined Suzuki in 1958 and served several management roles before becoming president in 1978. The former president came across an article about the Indian government looking for an automaker partner. A meeting set up in 1982 paved the way for Suzuki to enter India with the Japanese auto giant acquiring a 26 per cent stake in the state-owned car manufacturer Maruti Udyog. Maruti Suzuki started operating in the country with a one-lakh unit annual capacity in 1983. Under the leadership of Senior Suzuki San, the manufacturer achieved a cumulative automobile production of 30 million units by 2024. Additionally, the car maker also started exporting from India in the 1980s, surpassing three million units cumulatively. Today, Maruti Suzuki is synonymous with the Indian automotive industry. While the initial Marutis came with waiting periods stretching into years, the automaker rolled out a whopping two million cars in 2024 alone. Maruti Suzuki contributes to about 43 per cent of total passenger vehicle exports from India. Also Read : Maruti calls for small car revival to drive auto growth, banks on exports for near-term gains On receiving this award, Mr. Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation, said, 'My sincere gratitude to the Honourable President of India and the Government of India for awarding the prestigious Padma Vibhushan to my father, Mr. Osamu Suzuki, former Chairman, Suzuki Motor Corporation. I have just received this high-level award on his behalf, and I am deeply honoured. I believe he is, from heaven, looking back fondly on the 45 years he spent with India, his second home." He also added, 'This award goes not only to my father, but also to all the people who have worked at Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki and all our business partners, who have supported us in this journey. My father must be feeling very proud today. I am also feeling extremely proud to receive this award. All the employees at Suzuki and Maruti Suzuki and our business partners must be feeling proud of this recognition. This award also expresses thanks to the `love of Indian people towards Suzuki'. This award belongs to all of you." Also Read : Osamu Suzuki, former Chairman, who brought Suzuki Motor to India, passes away About Osamu Suzuki Born Osamu Matsuda, he married into the Suzuki family, taking his wife's surname, as is the norm in Japanese customs where there are no male heirs to the family business. A former bank employee, Osamu joined Suzuki in 1958 and served several management roles before becoming president in 1978. Under his leadership, Suzuki would go on to launch the Alto minicar in Japan in 1979, which was an instant success, ushering in a new era for the automaker and resurrecting the domestic minicar market in Japan. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 29 Apr 2025, 14:16 PM IST
