In a move that has left many nostalgic, Tata Motors recently bid farewell to the iconic Sumo MUV after an impressive 25-year journey. Since its introduction in the mid-1990s, the Sumo has been a familiar sight on Indian roads, capturing the hearts of consumers and boasting over 1 lakh units sold within its first three years. However, the model was discontinued due to its inability to meet the contemporary safety and crash norms imposed by the government.
Nostalgia on Wheels
The Tata Sumo holds a special place in the hearts of millennials, who fondly recall seeing and riding in this robust vehicle during their formative years. To honor this sentimental connection, let’s explore five intriguing facts about the Sumo that will ensure its memory lives on.
- In a Name: The Sumo’s unique name is a clever amalgamation of Mr. Sumant Moolgaokar’s first and last name, a former Managing Director of Tata Motors. It pays homage to his legacy.
- Rugged Beginnings: Launched in 1994, the ten-seater Sumo was built on the Tata X2 body-on-frame platform. Initially, it came as a rear-wheel-drive option for civilians, with an all-wheel-drive variant exclusively supplied to fleet customers and the Indian Army.
- Military Service: Thanks to its durability and versatile seating, the Sumo found a prominent place in the Indian Army’s vehicle lineup. Its popularity extended to civilian life, where it became a preferred choice for ambulances.
- Evolving Identity: The Sumo underwent several facelifts, each with a unique name to distinguish it from its predecessors. These included the Sumo Spacio, Sumo Victa, and the final variant, the Sumo Gold.
- Passing the Torch: In 2008, the Sumo Grande was introduced as a successor, featuring significant upgrades. However, due to the enduring success of the original model, it was rebranded as the ‘Movus’ in 2014 to prevent market confusion.
The Future of Sumo
While the production of the Sumo Gold ceased last year, enthusiasts can look forward to the arrival of the new-generation Sumo in the next 2-3 years, promising to seamlessly blend nostalgia with modern innovation.
Key Milestones
- 1994: Tata Sumo launched.
- 2000: Introduction of Sumo Spacio.
- 2004: Launch of Sumo Victa.
- 2008: Debut of Sumo Grande.
- 2012: Introduction of Sumo Gold.
- 2019: Discontinuation of Sumo Gold.
FAQs
Q: Why was the Tata Sumo discontinued?
A: The Tata Sumo was discontinued due to its non-compliance with the latest safety and crash norms.
Q: Will there be a new Sumo model?
A: Yes, a new-generation Sumo is expected within the next 2-3 years.
Q: Did the Sumo serve in the military?
A: Yes, the Sumo was used by the Indian Army thanks to its robust build and versatility.
