Caterham to Launch Seven Sports Car in India for 2012
Caterham Cars will begin selling the Seven in India, with prices starting at Rs 28 lakh, following the announcement at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix.
Caterham Cars has confirmed its entry into the Indian market, announcing at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix that it will begin selling its iconic Seven sports car in India by the first half of 2012. The British marque, known for lightweight, driver-focused machines, will offer built-to-order models priced from Rs 28 lakh up to Rs 90 lakh.
The decision to enter India comes as Caterham seeks to expand its global footprint. Gaurav Burman, a member of the London-based Burman family, said the company was optimistic about the country's rising population of affluent buyers with a passion for motorsport. The company is also reportedly in discussions with a potential partner in the US, but those talks remain at an early stage.
Caterham’s Indian operations will be overseen by Matt Cummings, a British sports car racer with experience in both automotive and motorsport sectors. Cummings said the company aims to introduce Indian enthusiasts to the unique driving experience offered by the Seven, both on road and track.
Caterham Seven: Lightweight Performance for Enthusiasts
The Caterham Seven traces its roots to the original Lotus Seven, a minimalist sports car sold by Lotus from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. Caterham acquired the rights to the design and has continued to evolve the car, with the most recent CSR model representing the latest in the Seven’s development. The Seven is available in both kit and factory-built forms, with a focus on low weight and sharp handling rather than outright luxury or comfort.
The Seven’s reputation for performance is well established. In 2006, a road-legal CSR260 lapped the Dunsfold test track in 1:17.4, unofficially beating times set by far more expensive supercars. While the Indian market is not known for lightweight sports cars, Caterham is betting that a niche of wealthy enthusiasts will be drawn to the Seven’s pure driving focus.
Sales Strategy and Market Context
Caterham’s entry follows a wave of luxury and performance brands targeting India’s growing high-end car market. The company will sell cars built to order, aiming at buyers seeking exclusivity and a connection to motorsport. Early operations will be relatively small scale, with no mention of local assembly or manufacturing at launch.
- Caterham joins other international brands expanding in India, including Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
- Focus will be on direct sales to enthusiasts rather than mass-market volumes.
- No local production or assembly announced for the initial phase.
The move comes shortly after Caterham expanded its UK operations, including new jobs in Norfolk. The company’s international ambitions reflect a broader trend among specialist sports car makers seeking growth beyond traditional European markets.
For more on premium launches in India, see Mercedes-Benz Launches 2013 B-Class in India at INR 2.15 Million.
