The Hindustan Lancer is the name under which the Mitsubishi Lancer was marketed by Hindustan Motors. The Lancer was one of the longest-lived Japanese saloons: Mitsubishi built it from 1973 to 2024, in ten generations, and more than six million were sold between its introduction and 2008.
Hindustan Lancer at a glance
| Name | Hindustan Lancer |
|---|---|
| Model origin | Mitsubishi Lancer |
| Maker of the model | Mitsubishi Motors, Japan |
| Production of the Lancer | 1973–2024 |
| Generations | ten |
| Units sold, 1973–2008 | more than six million |
| End of production | August 2017, except Taiwan |
| Final production | Taiwan, until 2024 |
The English Wikipedia article on the Mitsubishi Lancer mentions the Hindustan Lancer only as one of the model’s market names, so this page is short and gives no details of Indian production or specification. It is based on one source.
History of the Hindustan Lancer
A name among many
The Lancer was launched by Mitsubishi in February 1973 to fill the gap between the small Minica and the larger Galant. Over the years the same car was sold under a long list of names in different countries — Colt Lancer, Dodge Colt, Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Soueast Lioncel and Mitsubishi Mirage among them. The Hindustan Lancer is one of those names, used by Hindustan Motors, the Indian company that also built the Ambassador and the Contessa.
The end of the nameplate
Mitsubishi ended production of the Lancer in August 2017 everywhere except Taiwan, where the car received an extensive facelift designed by Pininfarina’s Chinese offices. Production in Taiwan continued until 2024, which closed the Lancer nameplate after 51 years.
Design and features
- Long life: ten generations between 1973 and 2024.
- Global nameplate: sold on several continents under many different names.
- Indian chapter: the Hindustan Lancer name belongs to the Indian market.
Hindustan Lancer versions
- Hindustan Lancer: the Indian name for the model.
Hindustan Motors also built the Hindustan Ambassador and the Hindustan Contessa. More cars are in the Hindustan collection.
Sources
- Mitsubishi Lancer, English Wikipedia: nameplates, generations, production years, sales
